
Is Travelling By Flight Safe After Recovering From Ear Infection?

I will be flying on a plane next week and I recently recovered from etd or some sort of ear infection that came about after having a cold and I can finally hear normally again after about 4 weeks of having a blocked right ear. What concerns me is that going on a plane could possibly trigger it and I was wondering what I can do to prevent it. I feel perfectly normal at the moment but would it be worth getting special ear plugs or taking a decongestant such as pseudoephedrine before the flight even though I feel fine or should I not worry about it?
Kind Regards,
XXXX
Should not worry if ear infection is completely healed
Detailed Answer:
Hi dear XXXXXXX
I have gone through your medical history carefully and understood your concern.
If you have completely recovered from ear infection, there is nothing you should be worried about.
What you might experience during the flight is the changes of pressure (similar to clogged ear). I usually recommend my patients to chew up chewing gum during the flight.
Can wear ear plugs but I usually do not recommend them as they carry the risk of ear infection.
If you'll get sick from the flight, then can take antisickness medication before. Otherwise, no need to take even when it comes to pseudoephedrine.
Have a nice flight and wish you'll enjoy it.
Dr.Albana


Following answers to your questions
Detailed Answer:
Hi back XXXXXXX
1. If you apply good hygiene in the ear plugs, that would minimize the risk of infection.
However, the outer ear is a transit pathway from outside to inside the ear. If you apply ear plugs, the dirties will travel along from outside to inside the ear, putting at risk for infection although you might have cleaned them well.
This explains why I do not recommend. However, as you might have problems with Eustachian tube, wearing them during flight can help. Just clean them well every time you put them on.
2. With regards to motion sickness medications, you may find over the count with the name of Dimenhydrinate (commonly used) and Meclizine.
3. vit.C supplements will boost immunity, can take to prevent severe cold onset or infection relapse.
Hope it answered to your questions.
Dr.Albana


Alcohol cotton/swab
Detailed Answer:
Hi back,
First use, buy and clean them with warm water and soap, dry well and rub with alcohol cotton.
During the flight, rub with alcohol cotton before use (make sure they are well dry before putting on) and after use.
All the best.
Dr.Albana

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