Meds containing pseudoephedrine can help dry up fluid and reduce swelling from the inside out.

Before diving into solutions, it helps to understand the mechanics. Your middle ear is an air-filled space behind your eardrum. It’s connected to the back of your throat by a narrow canal called the .

Dehydration thickens mucus, making it harder to drain. Drink plenty of water, herbal tea, or broth. Avoid caffeine and alcohol, which dehydrate you further.

Traveling by air often comes with the annoyance of "airplane ear," a condition where the pressure in your middle ear doesn't match the pressure in the cabin. This can lead to muffled hearing, a feeling of fullness, or even sharp pain. If you've landed and your ears still haven't popped, here is everything you need to know about why it happens and how to fix it safely. Why Do Your Ears Get Clogged?