Health Tip: Prevent Ear Pain in Flight
September 16, 2008, 1:56 PM ET
• 1 min read
Sept. 17 -- (HealthDay News) - If you are taking a plane trip with your child, there are steps you can take to ease the child's pain and discomfort from air pressure changes.
The Nemours Foundation offers this advice:
Make sure your child drinks plenty of fluids during the flight. Water is best, but make sure the drink doesn't have caffeine. If the child usually has ear pain associated with plane travel, give the child a pediatric dose of acetaminophen or ibuprofen about a half an hour before takeoff and landing.If at least 3 years old, let your child suck on hard candy or chew gum.Bring a bottle or pacifier along, or plan to breast-feed during the trip.Encourage your child to yawn frequently.Have the child use a nasal decongestant spray before takeoff and landing.Don't allow napping during takeoff and landing, as it's more difficult to keep the middle ear equalized during sleep.