flying to WDW with an ear infection

[Mrs Potato Head]

Help - two weeks ago my DD who's 3 said her ear hurt. She's had alot of ear infections in the past and knowing we were leaving for WDW on the 26th (3 weeks away from that point) we headed right to the pediatrician. He said she had the worst infection he'd seen in a long time and put her on a 10 day antibiotic. this morning was our followup and of course last night she woke up crying about her ear. back to the dr and very little improvement. trying a new med now and the dr said by the time we fly on Saturday she should be OK just give some tylenol and eat/drink during take off and landing. Because my DH and I are neurotic we're seeing an ENT on Wednesday for a 2nd opinion on flying.

Has anyone had this problem before and how did your kids handle the flight? We could drive though it would be a long one from NJ but not out of the question.

 

[Figgy1]

Help - two weeks ago my DD who's 3 said her ear hurt. She's had alot of ear infections in the past and knowing we were leaving for WDW on the 26th (3 weeks away from that point) we headed right to the pediatrician. He said she had the worst infection he'd seen in a long time and put her on a 10 day antibiotic. this morning was our followup and of course last night she woke up crying about her ear. back to the dr and very little improvement. trying a new med now and the dr said by the time we fly on Saturday she should be OK just give some tylenol and eat/drink during take off and landing. Because my DH and I are neurotic we're seeing an ENT on Wednesday for a 2nd opinion on flying.

Has anyone had this problem before and how did your kids handle the flight? We could drive though it would be a long one from NJ but not out of the question.

Yes I've flown with an ear infection that being said I was a lot older than 3 so a 2nd opinion great idea!!!!! I've driven from north Jersey a couple of times nonstop if you switch off drivers ot stop a little past 1/2 way overnight very doable. Your dd's health and comfort come first! Gum chewing or drinking during t/o or landings help but.... good luck and wish your dd a speedy recovery!!!

 

[BigRedDad]

Our DD had severe ear infections as well. It was an at least once a month event. Fortunately, she had tubes in before her first plane ride. This helped tremendously, but doesn't help you at all. Here is what you are going to experience....

1. She will have trouble pressurizing her ears, all kids do. This will add pressure on the infection as well. Make sure you have gum, something for her to chew on, and drink during takeoff and landing. If you cannot get her to be comforted, it may be a long flight.

2. If there is anything you can give her to stop the pain (Children's Tylenol) and/or something to sleep (Benedryl), that will help as well.

Definitely see an ENT. The infection could be so bad she should not fly. I doubt that will be the case though. The doctor most likely prescribed Amoxicilin of sorts. Since it has not gone away after that, he has probably put her on a much more powerful antibiotic that is usually not prescribed until the previous did not cut it. He is probably correct in that it will wipe it out. The reason for not prescribing it sooner is it could affect the natural immune system. It is similar to Z-Paks that we take. The ENT will have a much better determination of what it is, what the pediatrician prescribed, and make the correct recommendation. I would not stress it.

Tips:
1. Depending on what time the flight is, keep your daughter very tired but awake. This way, she can sleep on the plane. You may have to wake her up much earlier than normal, not let her take a nap, or wear her out as much as you can.
2. Have gum, gummi bears, and things that are chewy. This will help eliminate the air trapped in the canal.
3. Benedryl may be your dream drug for the flight. I am not for medicating unnecessarily, but it may be necessary for you. We had to a couple of times.

 

[Mrs Potato Head]

thanks FIgmentfan and BigRedDad! We'll find out how if there's any improvement tmrw at the ENT. To answer a few questions - yes she is on a stronger med now. We had this problem last year and it took 3 different meds to finally wipe out the infection. No fun for anyone! We have a mid morning flight and my daughter has never had a problem on the airplane with her ears - she loves that we let her chew gum! I've never used Benadryl but we've given her childrens tylenol the few times she's woken up in the middle of the night in pain from her ears.

Our peditrician suggested using pain relievers before the flight so we'll go that route. I was more upset he didn't want to see her before our flight which is why I called the ENT. crossing my fingers but no matter what I plan on strolling thru DTD Saturday night. No matter how I get there!

 

[Mawg]

becareful with the Benedryl, in about 10% of people it does not make them sleepy and instead has the opposite effect and can make them hyper.

 

[HouCuseChickie]

Dd6 was prone to them. We had to reschedule air travel because of her first...and that was a mild one. With her very worst...I remember the Dr switching her from Omnicef to something even stronger and insisted we come in before flying for a follow up. The drum wound up rupturing.... Which actually was a good thing. She could fly, the pain was gone and we could treat with drops instead of strong oral meds. If your ped. is ok with you flying without a chk up....I'd definitely look for a 2nd opinion. We were almost at tubes with our worst...and I know she would not have been cleared to fly without real progress or the rupture (which is considered natural healing). Hopefully these meds do the trick for it.

Oh and ditto on not doing Benadryl. It has opposite effects on some kids plus most kids don't totally Zonk out with the current formula if you give a proper dose. I've heard enough of horror stories...just not worth it.

 

[Mrs Potato Head]

Well we made it to WDW via plane with no problems! Had a last minute check with dr the day before we left and the ear was significantly better. Thanks all for your suggestions and comments. Hoping the flight home next weekend is just as smooth.