Whether it’s for business or pleasure, traveling can be taxing. Aside from jet lag and other travel-related troubles, traveling can also create problems for those that struggle with allergies and sinus pain. Today, we’ll cover some of the risks that come into play whenever you head out on a journey and offer some reasons why a trip to Florida Sinus & Snoring Specialists before leaving town is worth your while.
Allergies, Sinuses, and Traveling
For starters, traveling to a different area, whether nationally or internationally, by plane, train, boat, or car, means you will risk exposure to various allergens that may trigger your sinuses. You may first want to consider what are some common allergens and irritants in your destination. For example, South Florida will have different winter allergens than the northwestern Pacific states.
If you travel by car, you might consider driving during low-traffic periods, so you spend less time in the vehicle. Avoid driving with the windows down and use the air conditioner instead. Be sure to use the “recirculation” setting rather than the outdoor vent setting and try turning on the A/C for about 10 minutes before you set out. Taking these steps can lessen the number of allergens in the cabin of the vehicle.
Traveling by plane comes with its own set of complications, especially those prone to sinus headaches and pressure issues. The dramatic changes in air pressure that occur in the plane’s cabin during flight can induce barotrauma and cause flare-ups of intense sinus pain and sinus infection-related symptoms. Moreover, the air on planes and trains can be arid and irritating to nasal passages. Sinus headaches after flying are incredibly common, and you should take measures to prevent them before flying.
Over-the-counter treatments such as decongestants and saline sprays may be useful to have on hand during your travels, as is ensuring you are well-rested, hydrated, and adequately nourished.
Finally, for many, traveling may mean nights spent in hotels, which are well known for harboring allergens even if they receive proper maintenance and cleaning. More and more hotels are advertising asthma and allergy-friendly rooms. You might want to ask your hotel if it offers such accommodations.
However, scheduling a visit to Florida Sinus & Snoring Specialists before you depart is your best bet to prevent pesky allergies and severe sinus pain.
Seek Florida Sinus & Snoring Specialists for Sinus Allergy Treatments
Dr. Mandel and his team of specialists utilize innovative allergy testing methods, cutting-edge immunotherapy treatments, and minimally invasive corrective sinus procedures to help fight allergies and sinus infections, even in their most potent forms.
We have locations in Fort Lauderdale and Plantation, each equipped with a state-certified Level III surgical suite, and we offer the most advanced sinus technologies available. We create individualized treatment plans based on your unique symptoms and allergy relief goals. We design all our procedures to be as comfortable, effective, and easy to recover from as possible. Contact us today at 954-613-8837 to request an appointment and start your path to a better quality of life.
