Part
I | Part
II
Winter Safety
Tips Part I
‘Tis the season for going over the river and through
the woods to grandma’s house. And many of us
will be flying to grandma’s house this holiday season.
As your child experiences the ear popping sensation with
ascent and descent, it can seem weird and even frightening. Here
are some tips to reassure your child that this is a normal
part of flying.
The sensation
happens because of pressure changes in the middle ear,
the space behind the eardrum. A little tube, called
the eustachian tube, from the back of the throat to the space
in the middle ear opens and closes to normalize
the pressure, allowing air into the middle ear. The
popping sensation felt with a swallow or yawn is the tube
adjusting the pressure. The narrower eustachain tube
in children may not do its job as effectively. A cold
or runny nose from allergies may fill the tubes with fluid,
making it more difficult for the air pressure to normalize. The
increased air pressure on one side of the ear drum causes
pain- temporary pain. It usually eases in a few minutes
without causing lasting problems. Here are some ideas to try to ease the ear pain:
For babies: During takeoffs and landings feed your baby. Swallowing
equalizes the air pressure. Breastfeeding can be done
discretely or offer your baby a bottle or pacifier. Make
sure your little one is positioned upright for feeding.For older children:
- Plenty
of non-caffeinated fluids – water is the
best choice. This is helpful not only for
the swallowing which opens the eustachian tubes but makes
any mucous in the tubes thinner – and airplane
air is notoriously drying.Children
older than three years old should chew gum or suck
on hard candy or taffy-type candy – it requires
a lot of sucking and swallowing.Practice yawning deliberately.Ibuprophen
or acetaminophen 20 minutes before landing and take
off (if your flight is more than 4 hours long) may
be helpful if you know your child has ear pain, or
if your child has an ear infection. Talk with your
doctor about flying with an ear infection.
- If age appropriate, a nasal decongestant spray may help
by drying up the fluids in the nasal passages, especially
if your child is flying with a cold.
Occasionally,
the ear pain continues for longer then getting off the
plane. This is more likely to happen if the
ears don’t ‘pop’. It is OK to continue
giving your child ibuprophen or acetaminophen. If
it is several hours after your flight and the pain persists,
call your pediatrician for advice.
Compiled from Yahoo Kids Health
DISCLAIMER: The
medical information provided in this site is for educational purposes only. It is not
intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult
your physician or healthcare provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any
questions you may have regarding a medical condition. |
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A
New Number Could Save Your Child's Life
1-800-222-1222
The American
Association of Poison Control Centers has launched a NEW
national hotline number that is toll-free.
No matter
where in the United States you are, whether at home here in
Rochester or visiting grandma in Florida, and your little one
ingests an unknown substance, calling 1-800-222-1222
automatically connects you to the local poison control
treatment line.
Specially
trained nurses, pharmacists and physicians will provide immediate
emergency help to callers. If
necessary, the poison center will call an ambulance and will
provide advice to the EMT’s when they arrive.
All services
are available for free. Your
call is confidential. The
hearing impaired and non-English speakers will receive help specific to their needs.
Callers may also call the hotline any time for advice about
preventing poisoning. Experts
are available to answer questions about poisonous plants, how to
poison-proof your home, and how to use pesticides safely.
Remember:
just one number, anywhere in the US 1-800-222-1222
Submitted
with information from Rose Ann G. Soloway, R.N. Associate
Director, American Association of Poison Control Centers
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