Have you ever experienced ear blockage or pain after a flight? This uncomfortable sensation, often known as airplane ear, occurs due to changes in air pressure affecting the eustachian tube—the small passage connecting your middle ear to the back of your nose. While it usually resolves on its own, some cases may require urgent medical attention from an ENT specialist. Consulting the best ENT doctor in Kolkata can help diagnose and treat any underlying issues.
Why Does It Happen?
During takeoff and landing, the rapid change in altitude causes a pressure imbalance between the inner and outer ear. If your eustachian tube does not equalize the pressure efficiently, you may experience:
- Muffled hearing
- Ear pain or discomfort
- A feeling of fullness in the ears
- Dizziness or slight ringing (tinnitus)
How to Relieve Ear Blockage After a Flight?
If you frequently experience ear discomfort when flying, you can try these simple yet effective remedies, as suggested by a renowned ENT specialist –
- Swallow and Yawn Frequently: This stimulates the eustachian tube, helping it adjust to pressure changes.
- Try the Valsalva Maneuver: Pinch your nose, close your mouth, and gently blow out to equalize ear pressure.
- Use Chewing Gum or Candy: The repetitive movement helps keep the eustachian tube open.
- Apply a Warm Compress: Placing a warm cloth around your ears can reduce discomfort and encourage fluid drainage.
- Use Nasal Decongestants: If you have a cold or sinus congestion, a decongestant spray can help open nasal passages and relieve ear pressure.
When to See an ENT Specialist in Kolkata?
While most cases of airplane ear resolve within a few hours, persistent pain, hearing loss, or fluid discharge may indicate an infection or other complications. In such cases, consulting an ENT specialist in Kolkata is essential. They can diagnose underlying conditions like ear infections, sinus issues, or eustachian tube dysfunction that may be exacerbating the problem.
Hence, if ear blockage and pain after flying continue to trouble you, do not at all ignore the potential symptoms. Remember that seeking timely treatment from the best ENT doctor in Kolkata can help you prevent long-term complications and ensure healthy ears for future travels.
Also read: Notorious Myths About Ear Infections: Dispelling Common Misconceptions