Long flights bother my daughters ears

[jenny368]

My 9 year old is really miserable when we fly. The only time she has not been miserable is on a short non-stop flight to NYC with no change of planes etc. I think it bothers her when we fly to a hub and then have to change planes and get on another planes. The ups and downs of altitude I guess. We have never flown on a really long flight. Next month we have an 8 hour flight to San Diego with a change of planes in Atlanta. On the way home we have a 12 hour flight back from Honolulu with a change of planes in Atlanta. My question is this: Does anyone know what I can do for my daughter to make her more comfortable. She crys and whines that her ears hurt. I have tried having her chew gum. I have tried having her hold her nose and blowing out to pop her ears. I have tried having her open her mouth really wide to clear her ears. Any suggestions?

[kitty9]

Ear Planes. They are great for anyone who has problems with the pressurization of airplanes. You can buy them at any drug store. You just put them in the ears about 1/2 hour before your flight, keep them in until they turn the seat belt sign off, and then put them back in about 1/2 hour before you land. They work great.

[c-to-sea]

Before you try any remedies, you should take her to your doctor for a proper

 

check of her ears. The doctor may be able to recommend some procedure to

alleviate the pain. This is a fairly common problem but it can be made worse

by doing some of the things that you have already tried. From what you

describe, it really seems that you need some professional advice.

[jenny368]

Thanks guys! I will take her to the doctor for a check up and ask him about the ear planes. I appreciate your advise.

[Lyn2005]

Having been through it before, you can be sure she is truly having pain. Even as a 40+ year-old woman, I was reduced to tears one time as we were landing. I have had good luck lately by taking an extra-strength sinus medication starting the day before flying, timing is so that I am taking a dose that will be in effect at landing time. Since you are dealing with a child, a visit to the doctor would probably be recommended.

[duck512]

Definitely take her to an ear specialist. It's probably not the long flights, but the up and down that is causing the pressure and believe me it causes PAIN!!! She may have fluid behind her eardrums that are severely effected by the pressure change. At the very least, give her some Benedryl about 20 min. before take off, this will dry up any excess fluids. Then give her some gum right before the initial decrease in altitude.

[kayr2]

Jenny:

 

My ears used to hurt so badly I would be in tears when I flew. Pressurized cabins didn't make any difference or any of the other things people suggested. I finally asked a pharmacist what to do about it and he said it was my sinuses and to take Sudafed. I now do that about 15-20 minutes before a flight and keep a package of menthol cough drops handy for a extra help during take-offs and landings. I haven't had any more trouble unless I forget what to do. This is one suggestion I am glad I followed. We just finished two 14 and 11 hour flights to Australia and back from New Zealand and I remembered to take my Sudafed as recommended on the box. Our next cruise is booked on the Infinity to South America which will mean 2 more long flights.

Kay

[halos]

I understand your daughter's pain!! I agree with all the suggestions above. See a doctor and ask him/her about giving your daughter a sinus medication before flying. The fluid in the sinuses/ears is what causes the pain and a decongestant will dry up the fluid.

My daughters and I all experience that awful sensation (it's especially bad when descending) My oldest daughter (19) has been reduced to tears nearly every time she flies...but the decongestants help quite a bit.

 

Good luck and have a safe flight & great trip!!! :)

[clopaw]

My daughter had the same problem as well, although it seems to be easing up as she gets older. (She's 22 now.) Our doctor suggested Afrin, which worked for her. You definitely should talk to the doctor because you have to consider her weight before giving her a dose of anything over the counter.

[jenny368]

Thank you so much for all of your suggestions. I will definately run all this by my daughter's doctor. Sounds like a dose of sinus medicine will do the trick. I will ask him about the ear planes as well. This is why I love these boards so much. Everyone is always so nice and helpful!

 

:D

[Huey]

We have the same problem with my 8 year old son - and always have. We've tried the sinus medication - however, it makes him tired and cranky the whole day (even the non-drowsy kind). A flight attendant did this trick for us once, and it's worked ever since: She poured hot tea water in two small cups, emptied them out and held the warm cups over his ears. It helped them pop and soothed the problem. She called it "hot cups" and said that she learned it when she was going to flight attendant schooling. We do the same whenever he has an ear infection as well.

[yannisusa]

Both my wife and myself had this problem on take offs and most severely on landings. Our physician indicated to take Sudafed at least half hour before take offs and 45 minutes before landing. It has worked great. NO MORE PROBLEMS.

[Sea Breeze]

we have done the same for my daughter whom now is in college, after seeing a dr.. to make sure, he told us to use benadryl when she was smaller, and then we went to afrin which I use and have pilot friends whom use this prior to flying.. and we are a much happier flying family,,, good luck to you.. and most of all your daughter..

[jenny368]

Thanks again everyone for all the great tips!!!!