Question
What should I do when my child sits on an airplane and their ears hurt? The patient is five years old and experienced ear pain after taking a flight on October 1, 2009. Examination revealed no abnormalities, and it was only advised to blow up a balloon to relieve the symptoms, but the condition varied between good and bad. I have tried blowing up a balloon but it did not last, and I am seeking other assistance methods.
Answer
So-called airplane ear is a manifestation of Meniere’s syndrome, where the tympanic membrane reacts and can be tried by closing the mouth and blowing air during the flight to alleviate symptoms. Meniere’s disease is an inner ear disorder characterized by sudden dizziness, tinnitus, hearing loss, and nystagmus. In clinical treatment, intravenous therapy is a common method that can temporarily reduce the pressure of the labyrinthine lymphatic circulation in the balance organ to alleviate dizziness symptoms. However, the effect varies from person to person, and some patients may need to combine diuretics to achieve better relief.