Pain in the ears during a flight: how to help a child and make their flight easier if they feel popping in their ears

Most travelers who have been on an airplane know how it feels to experience ear popping and pain during the descent of the plane. However, children often feel the worst in this situation.

Some people may think that the discomfort children experience is not as unbearable and similar to what adults feel, but that's not the case. HuffPost explained why children are more sensitive to flying and how to help them in such situations.

According to Dr. Cathy Lockwood, a pediatrician at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, children experience particular discomfort during takeoff and landing due to anatomical differences. The anatomy of the ear in childhood differs from that of adults.

"The Eustachian tubes, which connect the middle ear to the back of the throat, are smaller and don't equalize pressure the way adult ears do," Dr. Lockwood said.

Furthermore, she added that young children cannot employ certain techniques that help alleviate discomfort because they do not understand them. These techniques include yawning or the process of holding the nose and blowing.

What should I do to help my child overcome the unpleasant feeling?

Avoid traveling while your child is sick. Complications like an ear infection can make the pain worse and ruin your vacation.

Use saline spray. It can help mobilize fluid secretion and moisturize the mucous membranes, which will reduce ear pain.

Use paracetamol (Tylenol or ibuprofen). These pain relievers are safe for children. They should be taken 30 minutes before boarding the plane.

Make sure yourchild drinks water or yawns. Reflexes such as swallowing and sucking will help to overcome unpleasant sensations.

Do not let your child sleep during takeoff or landing and let your child cry. Although it doesn't sound normal in the context of flying, these tips are effective in managing pain.