Flying with ds. Frequent ear infections.

[krystalleigh1]

We're going to WDW in a month with ds who tends to have frequent ear infections. We're flying so I'm wondering if there are any precautions I need to take to make it as comfortable as I can for him. He has flown before and never had a problme but I always worry. Has anyone tried earplanes for kids? Would they work for a 2.5 yo? Also I've read about decongestants being used before flight? How does that work? Any other suggestions or advice?

 

[debster812]

We're going to WDW in a month with ds who tends to have frequent ear infections. We're flying so I'm wondering if there are any precautions I need to take to make it as comfortable as I can for him. He has flown before and never had a problme but I always worry. Has anyone tried earplanes for kids? Would they work for a 2.5 yo? Also I've read about decongestants being used before flight? How does that work? Any other suggestions or advice?

First and foremost, I would talk with your peditrician. DS is 9 now, but was the poster child for ear infections until the time he was about 8. One year, we actually flew with him HAVING an ear infection. We have used many different combinations of:

Earplanes (DS doesn't really like these, as they stick into your ear)
Antibiotics for ear infection
Advil for pain
Sudafed for decongestant
Benadryl to chill him out a little (yep, bad Mama)

I would check with your pediatrician for their advice.

 

[mad hatter fan]

I just wanted to add that the Benedryl has another benefit. It can help get rid of fluid in the inner ear. When my oldest was having some ear pain we found out he did not have an infection but that he had fluid in his ear. The doctor told us to give him Benedryl to help clear it up.

 

[mad hatter fan]

Oh, just wanted to add that earplanes do fit that young of a child. The issue is will he keep them in. I have read on the directions that you can remove them at cruising altitude and put them back in before you begin you decent and they still help regulate the pressure.

 

[Ariel8676]

DD has really bad ears..she ruptured an eardrum about 2 yrs ago...
Anyway her doc suggested Benedryl and ear planes. Give the Benedryl before you board the plane to ensure the effectivness....get child size Ear Planes...put them in before take off and leave them in until cruising..as soon as ou are starting to go down put them back in.
She has been wearing the EP for 2 yrs now and she judt turned 5..we have never had a problem with her keeping them in, i just explain to her that they will prevent her ears from hurting at all.

 

[mrsmom]

My dd 12 has alot of ear infections and seven sets of tubes, We have never had a problem with flying until the year, she was crying at takeoffs and landings. I talk to her ent and they said to contact them or her peditrician before she ever flys again , they will give her something. I myself have used earplanes because i flew with an ear infection, They helped alot!!
Kim

 

[GGatheringof11+]

My girls 4 1/2 and 1 1/2 were both diagnosed with 2 ear infections 18 hours before our flight to Orlando last Nov. The dr. gave us antibiotics, decongestants, ear drops and nasal spray. And we gave then tylenol and motrin. The flight was as easy as could be. The first few days at Disney were a little off as the medicine and the overstimulating environment made them crazy. We had considered driving down, but the dr. said he'd done everything he could to let us fly. Since then, I asked for armchair advice from a dr. friend, and she said, I would have told you to go any way. When we go this year, I'm taking them for daily ear checks starting 10 days out!

Simone




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QUOTE=krystalleigh1]We're going to WDW in a month with ds who tends to have frequent ear infections. We're flying so I'm wondering if there are any precautions I need to take to make it as comfortable as I can for him. He has flown before and never had a problme but I always worry. Has anyone tried earplanes for kids? Would they work for a 2.5 yo? Also I've read about decongestants being used before flight? How does that work? Any other suggestions or advice?[/QUOTE]