Ears are plugged. How bad will flight be?

[TropicalDIS]

Hey all,

So I had an ear infection two weeks ago, went on antibiotics, infection is gone, but I have had the feeling of pressure in both my ears for the last week, and they just won't pop. Seen my doctor, who has advised it is more than likely my Eustachian tube is clogged and it will just take time. I'm on a steroid nasal spray which helps a bit, but not for the whole day.

Leaving for WDW tomorrow. I've done my research, and have bought the Airplanes ear plugs, have the nasal spray, and ready with over the counter decongestant.

Not sure there is much else I can do, but I appreciate any further tips. It's a short flight which is good, but I'm worried about the landing. How bad will it be?

I was having anxiety and almost cancelled my trip this morning, but this is the only time we can really go before next Spring, and we need a break.

Any thoughts/comments are appreciated!

 

[FoxC63]

Sudafed!

My ENT recommends I take it prior to flying. Never fails. Good Luck!

 

[Moliphino]

I had a lot of pain once when flying with a bad cold. Nothing seemed to help that time, I was just in pain for the whole descent. It was far from the worst pain I've ever been in, at least, and over once we were on the ground.
Decongestants might help. I do the valsalva maneuver (hold your nose closed, close your mouth, and blow) a lot to deal with the pressure, too.

 

[TropicalDIS]

Sudafed!

My ENT recommends I take it prior to flying. Never fails. Good Luck!

Definitely going to do it! Like an hour before? Also bringing my nasal spray.

 

[TropicalDIS]

I had a lot of pain once when flying with a bad cold. Nothing seemed to help that time, I was just in pain for the whole descent. It was far from the worst pain I've ever been in, at least, and over once we were on the ground.
Decongestants might help. I do the valsalva maneuver (hold your nose closed, close your mouth, and blow) a lot to deal with the pressure, too.

Hey, I'm prepped for pain during the descent. What i would prefer is that there is no pain when we hit the ground/leave the plane, and I really don't want any muffled hearing.

So hoping for the best!

 

[Christine]

I flew this past June with eustachian tube dysfunction left over from severe congestion from COVID. I thought the worst would happen, but oddly it didn't. Anyway, my ENT recommended that I take Sudafed before the flight and also use a small "whiff" of Afrin nasal spray about 30 minutes before the flight. This always really works for my son that has really bad issues with his ears while flying. This is okay to take with your steriod nasal spray.

 

[BroadwayHermione5]

When you get home see your ENT. You might have wax issues that need to be taken care of.

 

[BrianL]

I used to use the Earplanes ear plugs after I had Ear surgery - they do help too! Good luck.

 

[BamaGuy44]

Sounds like you're doing all the smart things, I wish you luck. The Earplanes plugs do a good job of equalizing the pressure so hopefully for a short flight it won't be too bad.

 

[LuvOrlando]

How did it go? Hope all is well.

 

[FoxC63]

Definitely going to do it! Like an hour before? Also bringing my nasal spray.

Sorry I just saw your post. 1-2 hrs, perfect. Yes, with Afrin as @Christine suggests. I only use the combo when it's really bad.
You know your sinuses are really bad when you wake up with a headache and/or have a stuffy nose.

How's it going?

 

[Curiousporpoise]

This is super late, but in case your problem persists, my old ENT prescribed Flonase, antibiotic and prednisone. He retired and it was taking forever to get an appointment with a new ENT, but the urgent care doctor agreed and prescribed Flonase, antibiotic, Sudafed and prednisone as a last result. I tried everything. On the 5th day I took the prednisone and it was a miracle drug.

 

[tcufrog]

My ENT recommends Afrin before takeoff and before landing.

 

[TropicalDIS]

Sorry for the late update everyone! still Down here at WDW.

Flight was good! I was very nervous, but did the Sudafed and steroid nasal spray an hour before boarding, and then Afrin about half hour into the flight. Also had the Earplanes in the whole time. I could feel the pressure on the descent but no pain. My right ear is still feeling pressure but it is no worse from the flight.

thanks to everyone for their advice and kind words.