Flying with an ear infection: what to know before boarding

Flying after an ear infection requires some careful consideration. Even if you have completed your course of treatment, such as antibiotics, the effects of the infection can still longer. The primary concern is the Eustachian tubes, which help equalize pressure in the ears during a flight. If these tubes are still blocked or functioning poorly, changes in air pressure during a flight could cause discomfort or even worsen symptoms. It's essential to wait until the infection is fully cleared and your ears have healed before flying to avoid complications such as ear pain, hearing loss, or barotrauma. 

If you're planning to fly while dealing with an ear infection, it’s important to consult a doctor first to ensure it’s safe for you to travel and to assess the potential risks. 

Going on a plane with an ear infection can be challenging, but there are several strategies to minimize discomfort, prevent and stop earache, avoid ears popping on plane, and reduce the risks associated with pressure changes during your flight. Here’s how to fly with an ear infection guide:

• Consult a doctor: before booking your flight, speak to your healthcare provider. If your ear infection is severe, they might recommend delaying your flight or suggest specific treatments to help alleviate symptoms.
• Use decongestants: taking a decongestant before your flight can help open up your Eustachian tubes, allowing your body to equalize pressure more effectively. Make sure to follow your doctor’s advice regarding dosage, especially if you're on other medications.
• Stay hydrated: drink plenty of water during your flight. Staying hydrated helps maintain healthy mucous membranes, which can reduce pressure and discomfort in your ears.
• Chewing gum or swallowing: during takeoff and landing, chewing gum or swallowing frequently to help your ears pop. This action helps open the Eustachian tubes and equalizes the pressure inside your ears.
• Earplugs or pressure-regulating earplugs: use earplugs designed for air travel. These earplugs can help regulate the pressure changes in the cabin and reduce discomfort, especially if you have a middle ear infection.
• Avoid flying during severe symptoms: if you’re in significant pain or your ear infection is severe, consider postponing your flight. Flying with a blocked Eustachian tube or an active infection can lead to more serious complications, such as a ruptured eardrum.
• Take pain relief: over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help ease discomfort during the flight. However, consult your doctor if you are unsure about which medications are safe to use alongside your infection treatment.
• Keep your head elevated: if you are able to sleep during the flight, try to keep your head elevated with a neck pillow to reduce pressure on your ears.

By following these steps and taking precautions, you can make flying with an ear infection more manageable and reduce the risk of complications. Always seek medical advice to ensure that flying is safe for your specific condition.

Flying with an ear infection is generally safe for many people, but there are certain situations where it’s best to delay your travel until you've recovered. Here are some circumstances when you should avoid flying with an ear infection:

• Severe pain or intense discomfort: if your ear infection is causing severe pain, significant discomfort, or intense pressure, flying may worsen the situation. The changes in cabin pressure during takeoff and landing can increase pain and lead to complications, such as a ruptured eardrum.
• Blocked Eustachian tubes: the Eustachian tubes in your ears help equalize pressure. If they are blocked due to the infection, flying can make it difficult for your ears to adjust to the changing air pressure. This can lead to increased pain, temporary hearing loss, or even damage to your ear.
• Active or untreated middle or inner ear onfections: if you have an active infection in the middle or inner ear (such as otitis media or labyrinthitis), it’s best to postpone flying. The pressure changes in the cabin can worsen the infection, increase inflammation, and possibly lead to more severe issues like a ruptured eardrum.
• Recent surgery or injury to the ear: if you've had recent ear surgery, such as a tympanoplasty or a mastoidectomy, or if you have an injury to your ear, it’s advisable not to fly until you’ve fully recovered. Flying under these conditions can put excessive stress on the ear, increasing the risk of complications.
• High risk of barotrauma: barotrauma occurs when the pressure in the ear cannot equalize properly, leading to pain, hearing loss, or even damage. If your ear infection makes it difficult for your Eustachian tubes to function, the risk of barotrauma increases, and it’s better to avoid flying until your infection has healed.
• Fever or severe systemic symptoms: if you have a fever, dizziness, or other severe symptoms of illness alongside your ear infection, flying can worsen your overall condition. It's crucial to prioritize your health and wait until you're stable enough to travel.