Preparing for Holiday Travel: ENT-Approved Sinus Health Tips for Arlington Patients

The holiday season and travel season coincide for many people. Whether you’re visiting friends and family in their towns or going somewhere new for your adventurous side, travel has been a constant part of many people’s holidays over the years. However exciting all these might be, let’s not forget how traveling can be stressful for our sinuses.

At Capitol Breathe Free, our sinus specialists help patients in Arlington and nearby Virginia communities manage sinus issues all year round, especially during the holiday and travel seasons.

✈️How Holiday Travels Impact Sinus Health

The main reason why traveling can potentially impact sinus health is the change in air pressure. Whether you’re traveling by plane, car, or train, you may experience changes in air pressure, which can trigger sinus pain, headaches, and nasal congestion in sensitive individuals.

Additionally, the air in the plane, car, or train can often be recycled, stale, and dry. This can cause dryness and irritation in the sinus passages. Allergens can also linger in the air and trigger symptoms for many allergy sufferers.

📝Sinus Travel Tips: Arlington Residents Can Keep Their Sinuses in Check

1️⃣Before you travel…

✔Schedule a consultation with our ENT specialists at Capitol Breathe Free in Arlington to discuss sinus travel concerns on your mind. Tell them about your current sinus issues and ask for medical advice on how you can manage them during your holiday travels.

✔️If you have seasonal allergies and are currently on medication for them, don’t forget to take them as prescribed by your allergist.

✔️Pack sinus health essentials for your trip. Your kit may include antihistamines, allergy medication, decongestants, saline nasal sprays, pain relievers, and a travel-sized humidifier. Talk to a pharmacist or doctor before using any new medications to ensure safety for your condition.

✔️Monitor pollen and allergen levels at your final destination.

2️⃣During the duration of your travel…

✔️Stay hydrated and drink plenty of water. Proper hydration can help keep proper mucus consistency and prevent nasal congestion. Avoid caffeine and alcohol, as these tend to be dehydrating.

✔️Use a dust mask to reduce exposure to allergens and germs lingering in the air.

✔️Practice good hygiene habits. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water. If they’re unavailable, alcohol, sanitizers, and disinfectant wipes can come in handy.

✔️Use a saline nasal spray. This is available over the counter and is non-medicated, but it can help hydrate and keep the sinus passages clear from blockages.

✔️If you’re traveling by plane, yawn, chew gum, or suck on hard candy to equalize air pressure in your ears and prevent pain and discomfort.

✔️If you’re traveling by car,

• Keep the windows up as much as possible to prevent pollen and other airborne irritants from coming into the car.
• Keep the temperature in the car comfortable and don’t blow air directly at your face, as this can easily irritate your sinuses.

3️⃣Once you reach your destination…

✔️Continue monitoring pollen levels and air quality.

✔️Continue using dust masks, in combination with other protective gear like scarves, hats, and sunglasses, to reduce exposure to allergens and irritants.

✔️Continue practicing good hygiene habits.

✔️If the air feels dry where you’re staying, run your travel-sized humidifier to add moisture to the air.

✔️Don’t forget to take care of yourself to reduce the risk of infections and other related issues. Eat nutrient-rich foods, drink plenty of water, get adequate sleep, and get your body moving.

Capitol Breathe Free Can Help Care for Your Sinuses in Arlington

Dealing with sinus issues can be painful and often frustrating during holiday travels. At Capitol Breathe Free, we understand the struggles of persistent sinus issues in Arlington and nearby communities. We work closely with each of our patients to explore treatment options that may help manage sinus issues during holiday travels and beyond.

Don’t let sinus issues disrupt your holiday travel plans. If you want to learn more ways on how you can keep your sinuses healthy and travel-ready, schedule a consultation with our Arlington sinus care team at Capitol Breathe Free.