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Ear Infection and a flight to catch

Posted by aqsaijaz @aqsaijaz, Aug 7, 2022

Hi. I have been diagnosed with an ear infection in my left ear which is kind of a bit extreme as it's been around 2 weeks I have been dealing with it. I am prescribed with Amoxicillin 500mg 3 times a day for 7 days. My course will end on 12th of August and I have a flight to catch on 16th. Will it be safer for me to fly? I am worried as I already am experiencing pressure in my left ear and not sure if flying will be safer for my ear.
Thanks.

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Mentor
Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | Aug 7, 2022

Hello -
This is definitely a question for your doctor, who needs to look at the ear and test its response to changing air pressure closer to the day of flight.
This is especially important because if there is bacteria still there, and the ear is not easily cleared, the infection can get driven into the middle/inner ear. In addition, it is possible to get a ruptured ear drum (I used to fly weekly, and had that happen - very unpleasant - landed me in the ER in St Louis on a Sunday night!)
Have you asked the doctor?
Sue

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1 reply
aqsaijaz | @aqsaijaz | Aug 7, 2022
In reply to @sueinmn "Hello - This is definitely a question for your doctor, who needs to look at the..." + (show)
@sueinmn

Hello -
This is definitely a question for your doctor, who needs to look at the ear and test its response to changing air pressure closer to the day of flight.
This is especially important because if there is bacteria still there, and the ear is not easily cleared, the infection can get driven into the middle/inner ear. In addition, it is possible to get a ruptured ear drum (I used to fly weekly, and had that happen - very unpleasant - landed me in the ER in St Louis on a Sunday night!)
Have you asked the doctor?
Sue

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I will ask him. Thanks

REPLY
callalloo | @callalloo | Aug 7, 2022

It's wise that you're double-checking with the doctor and will likely be advised that you're safe. I once flew with a lesser ear problem and ended up with what my ENT called "the worst case of swimmers ear that I've ever seen." I was fine until the plane landed and the pain was truly nasty. I had to have both ears vacuumed which didn't hurt at all though.

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Moderator
Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Aug 23, 2022

@aqsaijaz, what did you learn about flying and ear infections? Were you able to make the trip?

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