ENT Tips for Richmond Travelers: Staying Clear During Holiday Travel

The holiday season is officially here, and more than the holiday cheer, many people are taking this chance to travel–whether you’re exploring a new place or going back to your childhood home to visit friends and family. However, the holiday travel season can be stressful to some people, including their sinus health.

For residents of Richmond, VA, several ENT tips and strategies are available to help them stay clear during the holiday travel season.

‍🛫How Holiday Travels Impact Sinus Health

Travel season can be stressful to your sinuses for a couple of reasons:

• Change in air pressure: This can trigger headaches, sinus pain and pressure, and nasal congestion in individuals with sensitive sinuses.

• Dry and stale air in closed spaces: If you’re traveling by plane, car, or train, the air inside is likely dry and stale. This can potentially dry and irritate the sinuses and, in some cases, may contribute to sinus issues in some people.

• Allergens and other irritants in the air: Airborne allergens and irritants lingering in the air can trigger allergy symptoms in individuals with allergies.

✅ENT Tips and Strategies for Richmond Residents and Travelers

• Before your trip, schedule a consultation with your ENT care provider in Richmond and discuss with your doctor potential sinus concerns during your travel.

• Pack your sinus travel essentials. Don’t forget to bring your allergy medications and take them as prescribed by your doctor. You can also pack other essentials like antihistamines, decongestants, saline nasal sprays, and pain relievers. Of course, talk to your doctor or a pharmacist before starting any new medications.

• Consider packing a travel-sized humidifier, especially if you’re traveling during the cooler winter season. Some may find that improving indoor humidity levels can help reduce sinus dryness and irritation. Ask your doctor about the potential benefits.

• Continue to monitor pollen and allergen levels, especially at your final destination.

• Use a dust mask to minimize your exposure to potential allergens and irritants in the air.

• Some may find that using a non-medicated, over-the-counter saline nasal spray can help moisturize the sinus passages and reduce nasal blockages. However, always consult with a healthcare professional before starting use.

• Stress can contribute to fatigue and a weaker immune response, so avoiding stress during the holiday travel season can be good for your sinuses. If you’re traveling by plane, arrive at Richmond International Airport or whatever airport you’re departing from at least an hour early to avoid stress. 

• Drink plenty of water and keep yourself hydrated during your trip. Avoid dehydrating beverages like alcohol and caffeine.

• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water to wash away allergens, irritants, and germs.

• If the air pressure changes and causes pain or discomfort in your ears, yawn, chew gum, or suck on hard candy to equalize air pressure in the ears.

• If you’re traveling by car, keep the windows up as much as possible to prevent pollen and other allergens from getting into the car.

• Keep the temperature inside the vehicle comfortable and avoid blowing air directly at your face.

• Avoid potential hotel allergens at your destination by requesting a non-smoking, pet-free, and allergen-free room, if available.

Holiday Travel Sinus Care With Richmond Breathe Free

Traveling can be stressful on the sinuses, and dealing with sinus issues can be frustrating and impact your holiday spirit. At Richmond Breathe Free, we offer in-office ENT and sinus evaluations and discuss supportive and tailored care plans with Richmond patients who may be experiencing sinus concerns during the holidays.

At Richmond Breathe Free in Glen Allen, VA, we help travelers manage their sinus health through expert ENT care. Schedule a consultation with our team at Richmond Breathe Free. We proudly serve patients in Richmond, Glen Allen, Short Pump, and surrounding areas.