Middle ear symptoms while flying. Ways to prevent a severe outcome.

In an era when air travel is commonplace, middle ear block is not unusual. Educating patients about the simple techniques they can perform at the first signs of a problem may save a business trip or vacation from becoming a trip to the emergency department and a train ride home. The most important preventive measure is to avoid flying when symptoms of upper respiratory tract infection are present. When this is not possible, passengers should yawn, swallow, or chew to relieve pressure in the middle ear. Use of the Valsalva maneuver and decongestants or antihistamines may be helpful. Serve or unremitting ear block may require the use of the Politzer bag or a myringotomy.