A common cold might seem harmless, but boarding a plane while sick can be a huge mistake.
Aside from spreading germs to fellow passengers, you could also suffer from severe ear pain—or worse, a ruptured eardrum. Here are 10 things you should know before flying with congestion.
Air pressure changes can cause intense pain
During takeoff and landing, the cabin pressure changes rapidly. If your nasal passages and sinuses are blocked, your ears may struggle to equalize, leading to sharp pain and discomfort.
Your ears may feel “clogged” for hours
Many travelers experience a muffled or blocked sensation in their ears. This happens when swollen sinuses prevent the Eustachian tube from functioning properly, trapping pressure inside the middle ear.
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You risk serious ear damage
In severe cases, the inability to balance pressure can cause the eardrum to rupture. This can lead to stabbing pain, temporary hearing loss, and even fluid drainage from the ear.
Pilots face an even higher risk
Pilots fly multiple times a day, making them more susceptible to ear barotrauma. If they are sick, repeated pressure shifts can make it impossible for them to work safely.
Symptoms can last for days
Even if you don’t experience major pain mid-flight, congestion-related ear pressure can linger for days, leaving you feeling hard of hearing or constantly uncomfortable.
Flying sick can worsen travel anxiety
If you already feel uneasy about flying, ear pain and sinus pressure can add to your stress. The discomfort can make an already stressful flight feel even more unbearable.
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Common remedies might not be enough
Chewing gum, swallowing, or using nasal sprays can help some people, but if your sinuses are severely congested, these tricks may not provide enough relief to prevent pain.
Altitude changes can cause the same problem
Ear barotrauma isn’t exclusive to flying—it can also occur while driving through mountains, riding high-speed elevators, or scuba diving. Any rapid altitude change can trigger discomfort.
Hearing loss can be permanent
In rare cases, severe ear barotrauma can cause long-term or even permanent hearing damage. If you experience extreme pain or prolonged hearing loss after flying, seek medical attention immediately.
If you’re sick, consider rescheduling your flight
The best way to avoid ear pain and complications is to not fly while congested. If postponing your trip isn’t an option, take preventive measures—stay hydrated, use decongestants, and chew gum to help keep your Eustachian tubes open.
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This article is based on information from Medical Daily
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