Travelling? Try these tips
When travelling, every time plane descends, I get ear ache – acute, but it is inconvenient and painful.
My GP suggested that changes in pressure could temporarily block the Eustachian tube, causing ears to “pop” or to experience a sensation of fullness. He suggested equalising the pressure, swallowing frequently; chewing gum sometimes helps.
Yawning is also effective. Avoid sleeping during descent; you may not swallow often enough to keep ahead of the pressure change. If yawning or swallowing doesn't help, use following:
Pinch your nostrils shut, then breathe in a mouthful of air.
Using only your cheek and throat muscles, force air into the back of your nose as if you were trying to blow your thumb and finger off your nostrils.
Be very gentle and blow in short successive attempts. When you hear or feel a pop in your ears, you have succeeded. Never force air from your lungs or abdomen (diaphragm); this can create pressures that are too intense.
I tried his tips during next travel and it all worked, thankfully. I am sure these will work for you as well. Babies really find this problem too much to handle during pressure change. Feed them from a bottle or let them suck on a pacifier. It often provides relief.
If you had recently got your “root canal” procedure done, had abdominal, eye or oral surgery, avoid flying. You will find it quite discomforting owing to pressure change during climb or descend.
If you have a sinus infection, avoid flying for same reason. Postpone your trip if you can. (Of course check on money involved in changing dates).
This pressure change also causes your feet to swell. Your perfectly fit new pair of shoe will become tight and uncomfortable. So avoid wearing new or tight shoe while flying.
The aircraft’s cabin is quite dry. Alcohol and coffee consumption makes your body dry further. This combination increases your chances of getting respiratory infection. This combination adds to your discomfort if you wear contact lens, for it reduces your tear volume, and if you do not blink often enough, the discomfort is palpable. You should clean your lens before the flight, use lubricating eye drops during the flight, read but not at a stretch for long, and take your lenses out if you take a nap.
If you are on prescribed medication, bring enough so that it lasts through to your trip. Always keep a copy of doctor’s prescription, and doctor’s name and phone number, just in case you lose the prescription.
Never transfer your medicines to another bottle or container. Let it remain in its original prescription bottle. This will save you from answering difficult questions at safety check or customs check. Always carry your medicine in carry-on bag, never in the “checked-in bag” lest the bag is lost. At least your medicine is with you.
- Madhup Srivastava is a frequent traveller – and owner of Kilbirnie Travel.
He can be contacted on 04 3878669, email madhup@kilbirnietravel.co.nz
When travelling, every time plane descends, I get ear ache – acute, but it is inconvenient and painful.
My GP suggested that changes in pressure could temporarily block the Eustachian tube, causing ears to “pop” or to experience a sensation of fullness. He suggested equalising the pressure,...
When travelling, every time plane descends, I get ear ache – acute, but it is inconvenient and painful.
My GP suggested that changes in pressure could temporarily block the Eustachian tube, causing ears to “pop” or to experience a sensation of fullness. He suggested equalising the pressure, swallowing frequently; chewing gum sometimes helps.
Yawning is also effective. Avoid sleeping during descent; you may not swallow often enough to keep ahead of the pressure change. If yawning or swallowing doesn't help, use following:
Pinch your nostrils shut, then breathe in a mouthful of air.
Using only your cheek and throat muscles, force air into the back of your nose as if you were trying to blow your thumb and finger off your nostrils.
Be very gentle and blow in short successive attempts. When you hear or feel a pop in your ears, you have succeeded. Never force air from your lungs or abdomen (diaphragm); this can create pressures that are too intense.
I tried his tips during next travel and it all worked, thankfully. I am sure these will work for you as well. Babies really find this problem too much to handle during pressure change. Feed them from a bottle or let them suck on a pacifier. It often provides relief.
If you had recently got your “root canal” procedure done, had abdominal, eye or oral surgery, avoid flying. You will find it quite discomforting owing to pressure change during climb or descend.
If you have a sinus infection, avoid flying for same reason. Postpone your trip if you can. (Of course check on money involved in changing dates).
This pressure change also causes your feet to swell. Your perfectly fit new pair of shoe will become tight and uncomfortable. So avoid wearing new or tight shoe while flying.
The aircraft’s cabin is quite dry. Alcohol and coffee consumption makes your body dry further. This combination increases your chances of getting respiratory infection. This combination adds to your discomfort if you wear contact lens, for it reduces your tear volume, and if you do not blink often enough, the discomfort is palpable. You should clean your lens before the flight, use lubricating eye drops during the flight, read but not at a stretch for long, and take your lenses out if you take a nap.
If you are on prescribed medication, bring enough so that it lasts through to your trip. Always keep a copy of doctor’s prescription, and doctor’s name and phone number, just in case you lose the prescription.
Never transfer your medicines to another bottle or container. Let it remain in its original prescription bottle. This will save you from answering difficult questions at safety check or customs check. Always carry your medicine in carry-on bag, never in the “checked-in bag” lest the bag is lost. At least your medicine is with you.
- Madhup Srivastava is a frequent traveller – and owner of Kilbirnie Travel.
He can be contacted on 04 3878669, email madhup@kilbirnietravel.co.nz
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