Preventing ear pain during air travel

The changes in air pressure that occur during plane travel can lead to ear pain and discomfort. To help prevent these symptoms, the American Academy of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery recommends:

* Swallow frequently during air travel, especially during takeoff and landing.
* Chew gum or suck on a hard candy to stimulate swallowing.
* Yawning should help open the Eustachian tube. Do not sleep during takeoff and landing.
* Pinch the nostrils closed, breathe air into the mouth and blow the air back out of the closed nostrils gently until you hear a pop in your ears.
— HealthDay News