Easing The Pressure When You Fly With A Cold

Mayo Clinic
Thursday, 6 November 2003

If a nasty cold coincides with planned air travel, what do you do?

It's best to avoid flying if possible. The tiny tube (called the eustachian tube) that connects your throat and your middle ear is often blocked when you have a cold. Normally the eustachian tube equalizes the air pressure buildup in your middle ear with the changing air pressure in the airplane. Blockage can result in unequal pressure, which can cause pain or possible injury to your eardrum.

If you must fly with a cold, the November issue of Mayo Clinic Health Letter offers these tips:

• Use a nasal decongestant spray or oral decongestant an hour before takeoff. For long flights, use it again an hour before landing. (Avoid taking two doses without adequate time in between as indicated on the product.)
• Avoid alcoholic beverages, but do drink plenty of nonalcoholic beverages to keep secretions thin and easy to clear.
• Chew gum or suck on candy. It encourages swallowing, which may help open your eustachian tube.
• Use over-the-counter earplugs designed for air travel. They have a filter to slow the rate of air -pressure change on the eardrum.

For more information, or to contact Mayo Clinic, see their website at: www.mayoclinic.org