Holiday Travel ENT Tips for the Dry Desert Climate
The holiday season is just around the corner, and many of us are gearing up for travel and festive get-togethers. While the holidays are a time for fun and relaxation, it’s important not to overlook our health during the excitement. Taking a few extra precautions can help ensure you stay feeling your best throughout the season.
If you’re planning to visit Arizona, it’s important to understand how the state’s unique climate can affect your health. Arizona is known for its dry, breezy weather and abundant sunshine throughout the year, which makes it a great destination for adventurers. However, this climate also means that pollen and allergens are more widespread, carried easily by the wind across the state.
For allergy sufferers, this can pose a challenge. The particulates and allergens in the air can irritate your nose, sinuses, and throat, potentially triggering discomfort or health issues. Being prepared can help you avoid these problems and enjoy your trip to the fullest.
Follow These Tips to Keep Optimal ENT Health in Dry Desert Climate
- Keep yourself hydrated
You don’t want to be dehydrated in the middle of a dry desert climate. Make sure you drink plenty of water to keep yourself hydrated throughout the rest of your trip. A dry climate isn’t only dehydrating but can also cause dryness in your sinuses and throat, which can potentially lead to inflamed sinuses and irritated throat. If left alone, this makes you more susceptible to infections. Additionally, avoid alcohol and caffeine as these can exacerbate dehydration.
- Wear protective gear and clothes
Deserts can be dry and breezy, allowing allergens and irritants to travel through the air for miles. If you inhale any of these irritants, you can develop unwanted reactions that can be detrimental to your health and halt your enjoyment.
Hats, scarves, sunlight-repelling clothing, and protective eye gear are some of the items you might want to pack for your trip.
- Be prepared with extra layers
A common misconception about dry desert climate is that it’s always hot. Not many realize that it can get quite cold at times, especially at night. Make sure to pack extra layers to fight the cold. Consider bringing a beanie and gloves. You might even want to bring a pair of earmuffs specifically designed for sandy and windy environments to protect your ears from the cold and minimize the risk of an ear infection or discomfort.
- Invest in and wear quality earplugs
Earplugs can be your number one defense against the sandy and breezy climate of deserts. This creates a protective barrier to prevent sand and other debris from entering your ears, so as not to put yourself at risk of developing ear infections.
- Learn the Valsalva maneuver
Traveling can cause pain and uncomfortable popping sounds in your ears. This is often due to changes in pressure in your environment. You can counteract this by doing the Valsalva maneuver. The technique involves pinching your nose closed and keeping your mouth closed as well. Then, gently blow air through your nose as if you’re blowing your nose. This equalizes pressure in your ears.
You can also swallow (drink water, chew gum, or suck on a candy) or induce a yawn to help equalize ear pressure.
- Be ready with emergency medication
Lastly, always be ready with the necessary medications. If you have allergies, sinusitis, asthma, or any pre-existing condition, make sure you take any necessary medication before traveling and have emergency medication with you at all times.
Holiday Travel Woes? Let Scottsdale Sinus and Allergy Help!
Holiday travels should be fun and exciting. If you’re worried about your ENT health while traveling to dry desert climate destinations, it shouldn't stop you from having all the fun. However, taking extra precautions should be part of your travel plans.
Scottsdale Sinus and Allergy can help you with your travel woes. Book an appointment with one of our experts to learn more about how you can take care of your ENT health while enjoying your travels.
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