Why is it unsafe to fly with an ear infection?

Question

I am flying to Uk tommorow, and have had a throat infe tion and it may have turned into an ear infection.. flying from Finland a 2 hour flight

Answer 1

When you have an ear infection or a bad sinus infection there is a build up of fluid around the inner regions of the ear. When you fly the pressure in the cabin is increased, typically to about 8000ft, in other words, you are flying at about 30000 ft but they pressurize the cabin to a pressure equal to what you would feel at about 8000ft. This increase in ambient cabin pressure, especially if the cabin pressure fluctuates from time to time as when descending, will affect the pressures in your ear, sometimes creating a very, very painful ache in your ear. If the pressure is great enough the ear can rupture, causing a great deal of damage. Having been a flight attendant in the past and having experienced this on occasion, I avoid flying with this condition like the plague because once you are on that flight there is no where to go to get away from the pain.
I realize this was less than scientific but to the point. It can hurt, a lot.

Answer 2

The lower cabin pressure in an aircraft may (it might not, but there is a risk that it may) aggravate the condition. As the blood vessels in the area could be inflamed due to the infection, the lower pressure may result in some rupture and bleeding.

Answer 3

Hi - I think its to do with the change in cabin pressure, which could cause your eardrum to rupture in its weaked state (from your infection). Ouch! Hope youre OK to fly after all Bx

Answer 4

your ear has a tube called Eustachian tube,this allows pressure to equalise from the cavities in your head and the outside.Ear infection can block these tubes trapping pressure and causing extensive pain and sometimes damage.I'd see how you feel in morning,see a doctor and get some antibiotics and anti inflammatorys to take tonight they may help you get on top of it by tomorrow

Answer 5

think this is something to do with the air pressure i no when i fly my ears hurt like mad normally more on the desent though,dont think matter if got ear infection just might irritate it more.suck boiled sweets helps but doesnt cure..

Answer 6

I wouldn't say it is unsafe but I have bad ears and you do get a bit of gyp when they depressureise the aircraft just prior to landing. Go ahead and fly it won't kill you

Answer 7

The shift in air pressure can make it worse to the point of it being painful

Answer 8

the pressure could cause your eardrum to perforate if you already have an existing infection

Answer 9

I dont really know if it is unsafe but can be very uncomfortable.