How can I minimize ear pain when flying?

Q: While travelling by air I experience severe pain in my ears. I am using mint candies and chewing gums to avoid it, but still my ear pains a lot and gets numb for few minutes. Please help.

A:Blockage and pain in ears during flying is fairly common, especially if you have a cold when you fly. Always carry otrivin/other decongestant nose drops with you and put them in the nose prior to flying.