Need QUICK remedy for sponge ear..Gotta fly
Oct 22nd, 2004, 04:03 AM
#1
Guest
Posts: n/a
Need QUICK remedy for sponge ear..Gotta fly
Ugh........wouldn't you just know it. Have 3 flights (the longest is 4 hours) in less than 24 hours, and I have that ear feeling that I call sponge ear. Already tried alcohol in it, but no help so far. The other ear is just kinda stopped. Anything I can do before 8 am tomorrow, to feel better?
i2
i2
Oct 22nd, 2004, 04:32 AM
#2
Join Date: May 2003
Posts: 182
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Don't know what you can do in such a short time. However, there is a product called "Ear Planes" that are like an ear plug with a pressure filter. It allows the pressure to change slowly rather than so rapidly. Have found them to be very helpful as I have allergies and sinus problems. Get mine at WallMart but should be able to locate them elsewhere. Cost about $5.00 per set and are good for several flights.
Oct 22nd, 2004, 05:41 AM
#6
Join Date: Sep 2004
Posts: 336
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
be careful- 3 flights on the same day puts alot of pressure on the ears. I flew with a cold on the way back from Austrailia. Sydney-New Zealand-Hawaii-San Fran
Landing in San Fran an eardrum blew out- not as big a deal as it sounds and not the first time this has happened to me but painful- go see a doctor today
Landing in San Fran an eardrum blew out- not as big a deal as it sounds and not the first time this has happened to me but painful- go see a doctor today
Oct 23rd, 2004, 02:09 AM
#10
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 23,138
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Here's the problem - no medical diagnosis equals anything called "sponge ear". Do you have any idea from past experience whether or not this is an outer ear (that is anything from visible part of ear up to ear drum) problem - usually called "swimmers ear" or a middle ear infection (otitis media) - that is the standard ear infection.
Alcohol in your ear is not indicated for any condition I know of. If it is swimmmers/outer ear infection then putting something into ear canal such as a few drops of hydrogen peroxide or prescription product will make it better. Outer ear problems are not affected by pressure changes of flight - they just hurt. It is also possible that you just have a wax buildup in the ear canal - over the counter products just tend to impact it more into the canal - and don't stick anything like a Q-tip in your ear - that is just asking for more trouble.
If it is the more likely middle ear infection, decongestants (like Sudafed) are the way to go. These may or may not help. If it is a serious infection, at some point you will need antibiotics. On other threads people have suggested antihistamines (Benadryl) - but these are much less likely to take care of this type of problem.
Trying Ear Planes is also an idea - they work by opening up the ear canal a tiny bit which may help relieve pressure.
If anything starts to drain from your ear or you have severe pain, go to an MD.
(I am now ready for people to slam me or to lose my RN license for practicing medicine over the internet). Have a good trip.
Alcohol in your ear is not indicated for any condition I know of. If it is swimmmers/outer ear infection then putting something into ear canal such as a few drops of hydrogen peroxide or prescription product will make it better. Outer ear problems are not affected by pressure changes of flight - they just hurt. It is also possible that you just have a wax buildup in the ear canal - over the counter products just tend to impact it more into the canal - and don't stick anything like a Q-tip in your ear - that is just asking for more trouble.
If it is the more likely middle ear infection, decongestants (like Sudafed) are the way to go. These may or may not help. If it is a serious infection, at some point you will need antibiotics. On other threads people have suggested antihistamines (Benadryl) - but these are much less likely to take care of this type of problem.
Trying Ear Planes is also an idea - they work by opening up the ear canal a tiny bit which may help relieve pressure.
If anything starts to drain from your ear or you have severe pain, go to an MD.
(I am now ready for people to slam me or to lose my RN license for practicing medicine over the internet). Have a good trip.
