ENT gives 5 tips to avoid earache in the car and on the plane

The doctor teaches how to relieve ear pain and the feeling of stuffy ears, very common in air travel and driving through the mountains

Traveling by plane or car in the mountains can cause ear pain and other discomforts. They go as far as pain or pressure in the head, teeth, and even the face. Otolaryngologist Bruno Borges de Carvalho Barros explains that this sensation occurs due to the sudden change in pressure during takeoff and landing, or due to the height at which the car is. “This discomfort can pass in a few minutes after the end of the trip, but depending on the duration of the flight it can increase,” he warns.

Thinking about how to avoid pain, the expert gives five valuable tips for those planning to travel during the holidays. To watch:

1 – Valsalva Maneuver

This is a method that increases intrathoracic pressure to equalize the pressure in the ears. “It consists of inhaling, keeping your mouth closed and pinching your nostrils with your fingers while expelling the air through your nose. You have to be careful to control the force of the air so as not to make the pain worse,” he explains.

2 – Chew

According to the otolaryngologist, chewing gum or food, preferably hard, such as an apple or carrot, can help balance the pressure in the ear and prevent pain. This is because this movement forces the muscles in your face to move, and swallowing helps reduce the feeling of having a blocked ear.

3 – Cause yawning

Yawning aids in the movement responsible for activating the bones and muscles in the face, clearing the ear canal and aiding in pressure balance, the doctor points out.

4 – Hot compress

Bruno recommends applying a warm compress to the ear for about ten minutes if there is pain, as this helps relieve the discomfort caused by the pressure.

5 – Nasal spray

Provided it is properly indicated by the otolaryngologist, the nasal spray helps in the passage of air to the ear. In this way the pressure balances more easily, explains the doctor.

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Source: Terra

Ben

Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.