Ear Pressure After Travel: Causes & Relief

Question
Hi Robert,

I just visited my wife's family in NY and came down with a terrible cold. After the plane ride back to Florida, my ears got really stuffed up. Is there anything extra I can do to "unstuff" them? Did the cabin pressure in the plane make the situation worse in your opinion? Thanks

Answer
The cold caused some inflammation in the back of the throat and swelled the eustachian tube, the tube that drains the inner ear.  Use Afrin nasal spray prior to flight, maybe sudafed also.   It will help... yes, it was the cabin pressure and the inability of the inner ear to clear.