Don't let these common health problems hamper your family's fun (9 Photos)
Arricca Elin SanSone on Jul 1, 2011 at 1:05AM
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It happens to all of us. The pressure changes of flying make our ears "fill up," but it can be particularly uncomfortable for kids. Give young kids a beverage to suck through a straw during takeoff, initial descent and then landing. “You want them to swallow to keep the Eustachian tubes open during pressure changes,” says Garry Gardner, M.D., chair of the American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Injury, Violence and Poison Protection. Hard candy and gum are good options for you and your older children. If pressure does build up in the ears, it can take several hours to clear after landing, so try acetaminophen or ibuprofen to ease discomfort in the meantime. If your child also has a fever or any other signs of infection, see a doctor. If you experience an emergency while you are on the road, use the free iTriage app to find help nearby.
