There are many people who suffer from allergies with the change of seasons, but for many allergy-sufferers, vacation means more than just getting outside and enjoying the sun. Your allergy medication might not be as effective in a different climate, or you might need to worry about environmental factors that could trigger your symptoms. With these tips, you can enjoy your allergy-free vacation.
1. Know Your Allergens
If you are going on a trip to an area you have never been to before, it is important that you figure out the allergens in this area. You can do this by talking to people who live in the area or doing research online. It’s also important to find out when your allergens peak; if you are going at a time of year when pollen is high, consider staying indoors during these times.
2. Keep A List Of Medication
On your trip, it is not uncommon for you to forget certain things that make you feel at home, including medications. To avoid this problem, keep a list of your prescriptions on you at all times. This could help remind you to take them on time and could also help you if something unexpected happens on your trip. You may need to contact your ENT doctor in Philly and let them know where you are going so they can prescribe different medications for the trip if necessary.
3. Check Your Medication List
When you are packing for your trip, double check the medications you are bringing to make sure they are in your bag. It would be a shame to arrive at your destination only to discover that you did not pack an important medication. You may also want to think about doubling up on certain medications if you will be traveling or have access to a refrigerator, just in case.
4. Bring An Alternative Medicine Bag
If you are traveling to an area with a lot of allergens, it might be good to bring along an alternative medicine bag with you. This can help you if your allergies are acting up and also helps reduce the chance of side effects from medication. For example, even though antihistamines can be effective in keeping some pollen out of the air for extended periods of time, they can cause drowsiness and dry mouth. Putting some decongestants in your medicine bag gives you an alternative if you would rather not deal with these side effects or want to avoid having to use antihistamines.
5. Consider How You Are Traveling
Different travel methods might change how much exposure you have to allergens and other uncomfortable issues. Air travel is notorious for being a breeding ground for allergens because of the way it conditions the air and brings pollen from one place to another. If you are traveling a lengthy distance, air travel may be unavoidable. However, if your destination is only a short distance away, consider driving or even flying into a nearby airport and then renting a vehicle to get you the rest of the way.
6. Be Mindful Of Traveling With Allergens
If you have to bring an animal with you on your trip, it is important that their hair and dander are kept at a minimum to reduce how much allergens are in your hotel room. Some hotels and motels provide amenities such as hypoallergenic sheets that can reduce allergens. If you are staying in a hotel, ask the hotel staff about any hypoallergenic features of their room. If you are camping, make sure to ask about available services that can help reduce allergens in your tent or vehicle.
7. Try Essential Oils
The essential oils are created from plants that have been pressed out of their natural oils. These oils can act as a natural medicine to help reduce allergies and effectively battle the symptoms of illness. Some essential oils can be helpful in this way, but you need to be aware that not all essential oils are the same, and some don’t have any effect at all. So, use caution when using these products.
8. Use Allergy-Reducing Bath Salts
Bath salts are popular in aiding allergies because they help reduce the effects of chemicals and allergens. If you have allergies, they can be a good way to help you sleep and reduce the effects of allergens. They can be purchased in the form of bath salts, which are added to your bath water and have different ingredients that have been used for centuries to battle allergies. These include sage, lavender, eucalyptus, peppermint, and rosemary oils.
9. Watch Your Diet
Diet may be a major factor in how well your medication will work. Certain types of diets can cause reactions in some people, which can make your allergies worse. So, it is important that you stay away from certain types of foods if you are prone to some allergic reactions. These include spicy foods, nuts, and wheat products.
10. Stay Hydrated
Staying hydrated is one of the most important things you can do to keep yourself protected against allergens. Your body needs water to prevent the symptoms of the common cold, so it is never a bad idea to drink plenty of water on vacation. If you are going swimming, try to do so at a time when the water will not be very heavy with pollen or other allergens. This will go a long way in helping you avoid the sneezing, itching, coughing, or watery eyes that can be a side effect of swimming in the heavy pollen water.
11. Pack The Right Clothes
When you are packing clothes, it is important to pack lightweight and loose clothing that is made out of organic material if possible. This will help reduce allergens in the air and also keep you cool, which can help stop your allergies from acting up altogether. You can also wear a mask to help reduce allergens in the air. Allergy tape is also another option to consider, especially if you know you are staying in a heavily-pollen area. The tape works by creating a barrier between your clothing and your skin that stops the allergens from getting through.
In conclusion, there are a lot of things you can do to help minimize the risk of allergies while you are on vacation. It is important to make sure that your mind is at ease and that you take care of your body.