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What Causes Severe Ear Pain When Plane Lands?

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Posted on Wed, 22 Oct 2014
Question: Why do I have excruciating pain when the plane lands? I have a large scar on the right side of my head from surgery that I had when I was an infant (many years ago) does that have anything to do with it? The severe pain is almost always in my right ear.
XXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. Pavan Kumar Gupta (1 hour later)
Brief answer....given below
Detailed answer...
Hello,
Thanks for the query.
It is very common for people to develop pain in ears while the plane is landing and is caused due to unequal pressure in the ear on either side of eardrum.Generally such type of pain goes away soon after plane lands.
Before answering further,I would like to know few things.
Since when are you having this problem?
 Has it happened many times or it developed only recently?
Do you suffer from any nasal allergy or cold or sinusitis etc where you keep on producing lot of mucus?
Your early surgery has no relation to this problem
Waiting for your reply.
Best of luck
Thanks

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Pavan Kumar Gupta (18 hours later)
It happens almost always when I fly, sometimes worse than others. I don't have unusual sinus problems. I just recently learned about ear planes, but never used them yet
doctor
Answered by Dr. Pavan Kumar Gupta (5 hours later)
Hello,
Yes this condition is called as aeroplane ears.
If you don't have any sinus or phlegm problem,then it seems to be because of narrow eustachian tube.
Normally this eustachian tube opens whenever you yawn,swallow or chew.
In some people,this tube doesn't open that easily.
What to do...
Try sucking sweets while plane is landing.
Use xylometazoline nasal spray.Use it 1 hour before landing and keep using it every 15-20 minutes.
You can use air pressure regulating ear plugs.these are available at airports.
I hope it helps,however you may revert to me for any further query.
Thanks
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Pavan Kumar Gupta

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :1978

Answered : 6704 Questions

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What Causes Severe Ear Pain When Plane Lands?

Brief answer....given below Detailed answer... Hello, Thanks for the query. It is very common for people to develop pain in ears while the plane is landing and is caused due to unequal pressure in the ear on either side of eardrum.Generally such type of pain goes away soon after plane lands. Before answering further,I would like to know few things. Since when are you having this problem?  Has it happened many times or it developed only recently? Do you suffer from any nasal allergy or cold or sinusitis etc where you keep on producing lot of mucus? Your early surgery has no relation to this problem Waiting for your reply. Best of luck Thanks