Is it SAFE to fly with an ear infection?
If you have been feeling pain and discomfort in your ear and have a work trip or holiday coming up, you might wonder is it safe to fly with an ear infection. Ear infections can cause pain, discomfort, and hearing loss, so taking the necessary precautions before boarding a plane is essential.
Let us give you the details on whether flying with an ear infection is okay and what you can expect during your flight. We also consulted Dr. Mustafa Kapadia for some expert advice on how to deal flying with earache when you are flying with an ear infection.
What is an Ear Infection?
An ear infection is an issue that affects the middle ear and can be caused by bacteria or viruses. Flying with an Ear Infection often occurs when fluid builds up in the ear, creating an environment for germs to thrive.
There are different types of ear infections, including otitis media (middle ear), otitis externa (outer ear), and labyrinthitis (inner ear). The most common type is otitis media, which commonly affects children but can also occur in adults.
Symptoms of an ear infection may include:
- Pain or discomfort in the affected area
- Difficulty hearing
- Fever
- Dizziness
- Nausea
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms before your flight, seeking medical attention as soon as possible to know the pros and cons of flying with an ear infection is essential.
Treatment options that can help you fly with an ear infection.
Treating an ear infection promptly can help alleviate pain and prevent further complications. The course of treatment may depend on whether a virus or bacteria causes the infection.
Doctors usually recommend managing symptoms with over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen if it’s a viral infection. Applying a warm compress on the affected ear several times daily can relieve discomfort.
In cases where the infection is bacterial, antibiotics are often prescribed to kill off the harmful bacteria causing inflammation. It’s essential to take the entire course of antibiotics even if you feel better after a few days.
Sometimes, tubes may need to be inserted into the eardrum temporarily until the swelling subsides and fluid drains naturally.
It’s crucial not to ignore symptoms of an ear infection since prolonged untreated infections could lead to permanent hearing loss or spread beyond your ears, causing life-threatening complications like meningitis.
Flying with an ear infection – what to expect
Flying with an ear infection can be uncomfortable and even painful. The fluctuations in air pressure during takeoff and landing can cause the Eustachian tube to become blocked, which increases the pressure on the eardrum. This is why knowing what to expect before boarding your flight is essential.
During takeoff, you may experience mild discomfort or a feeling of fullness in your ears as the cabin pressure changes. To alleviate this, try swallowing frequently or chewing gum to help open up the Eustachian tube.
As the plane reaches cruising altitude, many people find that their symptoms improve as cabin pressure stabilizes. However, flying could still be painful with a severe ear infection.
When it’s time for descent and preparing for landing again, you may feel increased discomfort or pain due to additional changes in air pressure. It is always advisable that one should consult with a medical professional before traveling by air with an ear infection.
While flying with an ear infection is not ideal but sometimes necessary for work or travel plans, you can take steps to minimize discomfort. Knowing what to expect and how best to manage your symptoms will help make your flight as comfortable as possible.
Consult Dr. Mustafa Kapadia on flying with Ear Infection
Flying with an ear infection can be uncomfortable and potentially painful. However, it is possible to fly with proper treatment and precautions.
Suppose you are experiencing symptoms of an ear infection or are concerned about flying with an existing ear infection. In that case, you must consult a medical professional like Dr. Mustafa Kapadia for personalized advice on your situation’s best action.
Don’t let an ear infection ruin your travel plans; book your appointment now. Safe travels!