Flying with blocked ears or sinuses – is it safe?

When the plane takes off and lands, the air pressure changes quickly. Your ears and sinuses need to equalise the pressure through small channels behind your nose.

If you have a cold, allergies or a sinus infection, these channels can be swollen and blocked. The pressure cannot equalise, and you may get pain, a blocked feeling or muffled hearing. It is often worst during landing.

With a normal cold, most people can fly. You may still feel more discomfort than usual.

It is a good idea to see a doctor before you fly if you have:

• severe pain in your ear or face
• a fever or feel clearly unwell
• fluid, pus or blood coming from your ear
• reduced hearing or dizziness
• had a recent ear infection or ear surgery

The doctor will look in your ears and nose and give you advice about your trip. Sometimes it is wise to postpone the flight.

• Swallow, yawn, chew gum or suck on a sweet during take-off and landing
• Gently pinch your nose, close your mouth and blow lightly until your ears "pop". Do not blow hard
• Try to stay awake during the descent, so you can equalise the pressure as you go
• A decongestant nasal spray can help. Use it about half an hour before take-off and before landing, and for no longer than a week. Follow the package leaflet
• Children can drink or use a dummy during take-off and landing
• Drink water during the flight

Blocked ears after a flight usually get better on their own within a few days.

See a doctor if you have severe pain, if your hearing does not come back, or if you feel dizzy or have fluid or blood coming from your ear.

In an emergency, call 113. If you are unsure, call the out-of-hours emergency service on 116 117.

At Dr.Dropin Tromsø in Grønnegata 88 you can see a GP without a referral. The doctor will examine your ears and nose and give you advice before you travel.

If you need further assessment, the clinic also has an ear, nose and throat specialist.