Relieve Ear Pressure Discomfort

• 1). Swallow a few times. Try taking a sip or two of water. Warm fluids may work better at relieving the pressure than cold ones. When flying, keep some hard candy or gum with you to use as needed in order to equalize the changing pressure on takeoff and landing. Encourage nursing infants to swallow frequently by offering a baby bottle. Lollipops work well with older children.
  
  
• 2). Yawn to stretch the throat. This stretches the Eustachian tubes, allowing allow air to enter the middle ear. You may notice a popping sound when the pressure equalizes.You should notice sudden relief upon popping.
  
  
• 3). Gently pinch your nostrils closed and exhale very slightly. This will cause a slight build up of pressure as the air increases behind the nostrils. Be extremely careful when trying this technique. It will work immediately or not at all. Use caution not to blow or use force.
  
  
• 4). Take decongestants if your ear pressure is caused by a cold or flu. Congestion from conditions affecting the upper respiratory tract often causes pressure in the ear. You should increase humidity levels to relieve congestion when suffering from a cold.
  
  
• 5). Try taking antihistamines if you suffer from allergies and notice that your ears become stuffy when your allergies act up. Talk to your doctor about prescription strength antihistamines if over-the-counter ones do not clear up the problem.
  
  
• 6). Consult your doctor if you experience severe ear pressure and pain, or if the symptoms do not subside after a few hours. You may need antibiotics for an underlying ear or throat infection. Also call your physician if you experience any fluid drainage from the ear canal or think you have a fever. Hearing loss and other complications may occur from both chronic and acute disorders of the ear.