What Causes Constant Pain In The Ear After A Flight Journey?

Posted on Tue, 16 May 2023

Question: Hi, I got a heavy pain in my ears during flight landing. I had to go through 2 landings in 3 hour interval and the pain was unbearable. I am frequent flyer and this happens whenever I have cold. Today after landing also pain continued and I am still feeling pain in both of my ears with feel of something locked inside as well. Can you please suggest remedy. Thanks, XXXX

Answered by Dr. Riddhi Shah (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Please see the answer...

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

The probable cause of your ear pain would be as follows:
There is a connecting tube between ear and nose (called eustachian tube). It helps in equalizing ear pressure with outer atmospheric pressure. In case of the landing of the flight, especially if there is nasal cold, then it leads to blockage of this tube. As a result, it leads to negative ear pressure, which might lead to fluid collection in the middle ear leading to your symptoms.

You may find relief by taking the following medication:
Analgesic with Antiinflammatory like Ibuprofen,
Antacid like Rantac,
Nasal Decongestant drops like Oxymetazoline,
Antihistaminic with Decongestant tablet like Levocetirizine with Phenylephrine.

(You can take a decongestant tablet and nasal drops only if you are not suffering from Hypertension-High blood pressure).

Also, do steam inhalation.
Drink lots of warm fluids.
Avoid dust and cold food.

Hope I have answered your query.

Regards,
Dr. Riddhi Shah, ENT Specialist

Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad