Ears pop during airplane descent  Dr. Paul Donohue Good Health
September 10, 2008|Dr. Paul Donohue  Dear Dr. Donohue: I dread
flying. As the plane descends for landing, my right ear gives me
severe pain. I have seen an ear doctor, who found nothing wrong.
I chew gum, drink water through a straw, yawn and swallow. I
pinch my nose shut and blow. I take Sudafed two hours before
departure and a nasal decongestant spray two hours before
landing. Nothing helps. - F.S.  Dear F.S.: You have done all the
maneuvers I have to offer, but tweaking them a bit might help
you.   Chewing gum and drinking keep that tube open. Pinching
the nose while trying to exhale through a closed mouth opens the
tube. Are you doing this correctly?  Taking Sudafed helps, but
take it about half an hour before descent, and use the nasal
spray at the same time. You can use both before boarding the
plane too. They'll help you when the plane gains altitude and
the cabin loses air pressure.   Sun Sentinel Articles