Question
The patient is a five-year-old who experienced ear pain after flying in October 2009. No abnormalities were found during previous examinations. It was suggested to blow up a balloon to alleviate the pain, but occasional pain still persists. The child has tried blowing up a balloon as treatment but has not continued with it. The patient wants to know if they need to go to a major hospital for further examination and, if there are no abnormalities, what other methods can be used to relieve the pain.
Answer
Condition Analysis: Ear pain after flying is commonly referred to as Ménière’s syndrome, which is related to changes in ear pressure. It is recommended to practice blowing air into the mouth regularly to help alleviate the pain. Ménière’s disease is an inner ear disorder that often presents with sudden dizziness, tinnitus, and hearing loss. Suggested Treatment: Intravenous therapy is one method of relief, which can be effective for some patients but the results vary. Adding diuretics to the intravenous fluid can help reduce the pressure in the labyrinthine lymphatic circulation of the balance organ, thereby alleviating dizziness. This is a temporary treatment that may be effective for some patients.