Prevention

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These are a few things that can be done to help prevent earaches in a young child:

• Feed an infant in a relatively upright position to prevent liquids from getting into the eustachian tubes.
• Breast-feed your baby. Studies show that breast-fed babies develop fewer ear infections
• Do not allow infants to fall asleep with a bottle. (Nursing babies may fall asleep at the breast.)
• Keep your child away from second-hand smoke, which is associated with more frequent ear infections.
• Feed a bottle to an infant or a toddler during takeoff and descent to help prevent his or her ears from becoming clogged and painful.
• Teach your child how to blow his or her nose gently.
• If possible, limit your child's contact with other children who have colds.
• Moisture and humidity are important in keeping the mucus thin. Using a vaporizer may help keep air moist.

Adults and older children can prevent earaches by trying some of these suggestions:

• If you are prone to the buildup of earwax, speak to your doctor about over-the-counter wax-removal products.
• Take a decongestant prior to takeoff or descent to help prevent ears from clogging when you fly. Follow the manufacturer's directions or call your physician for the dosage amount.
• Avoid flying when experiencing a cold.
• Stay away from cigarette smoke.
• If allergies are causing earaches, try antihistamines and avoid the pollens, animals, or foods that bring on the allergic reactions.