I seem to have an inner ear problem. Can I still fly?
31-year-old woman
Hello, I seem to have an inner ear problem. It used to rumble a lot but now it doesn't but the air doesn't come out of this ear like the other one does when I pinch my nose. I tried cipradex. I have been taking avamys since January. I saw an ear specialist and he said I have nothing. My ear is running clear. Can I still fly?
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Alexandre Chagnon · 3 years ago
Hello Ma'am,
I'm not sure I understand. Are you saying that air comes out of your ear when you pinch your nose?
If that is the case, then your eardrum is pierced. That would also explain the discharge.
When did you visit the ENT?
31-year-old woman · 3 years ago
Hello,
I saw an orl last Thursday. He looked at both of my ears and said everything looked good. However, the one on the right is dripping clear liquid and doesn't open up when I pinch my nose. The one on the left comes out.
Alexandre Chagnon · 3 years ago
Haaaa I understand now!
To get back to your question, flying when your ears are clogging like this often causes (quite intense) pain.
When is your flight?
31-year-old woman · 3 years ago
Only in April but since I've had this problem for a little over a year, I doubt it will be fixed by then. Besides ciprodex and avamys, would there be anything else I could try?
Alexandre Chagnon · 3 years ago
Have you ever tried using Dristan™ or Otrivin™ in the nose (spray) for a few days, doing a modified valsalva 45 minutes after spraying?
If the fact that your ear is clogged comes from a buildup of fluid behind the eardrum, this could help drain the fluid down into the throat through a little tube we call the Eustachian tube.
31-year-old woman · 3 years ago
I have tried the Dristan before but not the Otrivin. I do the valsalva method regularly but the modified method I have never heard of. What is it?
Alexandre Chagnon · 3 years ago
The modified Valsavla method actually involves exhaling and swallowing at the same time, while plugging the nose and having the mouth closed. This maneuver creates a negative pressure that will pull fluids through the eustachian tube.
Also, a quick reminder that the Dristan or Otrivin should not be used more than 3 days in a row as they can cause "rebound congestion" with prolonged use.
So you might want to try this method to see if any discharge of fluid occurs and if you get more relief.
Hopefully this answers your question,
Isabelle Racanelli, pharmacy student
Supervised by Alexandre Chagnon, pharmacist
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