Air travel may cause temporary pain or discomfort in your toddler's ears, especially if she is suffering from an ear infection. Speak to your doctor about the severity of your toddler's ear infection. If the ear infection is severe, it may be best to postpone your trip a day or two. If postponing your trip is not an option, encourage your child to suck on a bottle or pacifier to help alleviate pressure as well as keep her nasal passage clear, as this may reduce the drainage that accumulates during an ear infection.
Ear Infection and Air Travel
During liftoff and landing, the airplane experiences changes in air pressure, which may affect the Eustachian tube found in the ear. Under normal circumstances, the tube is clear of obstruction and equalizes air pressure with little to no discomfort or pain. During an ear infection, the passageway may be clogged and may not work properly. As a result, your baby may start to cry. Although it may aggravate a few of your fellow travelers, your baby's cries will help open the Eustachian tube to help ease any discomfort.
Medicine
Visit your child's doctor prior to your trip, if possible. He may provide your child with antibiotics, which may treat or reduce pain symptoms within 24 to 48 hours. Observe your toddler for any signs of pain or discomfort as well as a fever. If you still notice symptoms of discomfort, it may be best to postpone your trip. If you can't postpone your trip, be sure to give your toddler his medication as directed. Traveling may be hectic, but skipping medication may extend the time length of the ear infection.
Keep the Mouth Busy
Wait before the plane takes off or the pilot has alerted passengers of the start of the plane's descent before providing your toddler something to eat or drink. When your child opens and closes his mouth, or sucks on a bottle, pacifier or sippy cup, the action helps alleviate the fluctuating air pressure and accompanying pain. If your child is older than 4, give him a beverage with a straw. Encourage him to either drink the beverage through the straw or to make bubbles in his drink.
Filtered Ear Plugs
Available at your local drugstore or at the airport, filtered ear plugs are specialized ear plugs that help regulate the changes in air pressure slowly to reduce any pain and discomfort in the ear. Place the ear plugs in your toddler's ear before liftoff and keep them there until after the plane lands, because airplane pressure tends to fluctuate during flight and while the plane lands. If you are unable to find filtered ear plugs, cotton balls may also help.
