TIPS TO RELIEVE ALLERGIES WHILE TRAVELLING: 5 TIPS TO KEEP ALLERGIES A BAY

For many of us, the finest time of year to go on vacation also happens to be the best time to inhale a whiff of pollen and be sidelined by a massive sneezing fit. Many people are dealing with their aggravating seasonal allergies as the seasons change. And the symptoms that accompany those pesky air particles are far worse. Allergies can create annoying symptoms including a sore throat, inflamed sinuses, and sneezing, which can completely ruin a trip.

Allergies occur when the immune system of the body overreacts to foreign substances (allergens) that are normally harmless to most individuals, such as pollen or certain foods.The symptoms can be minimal in some situations, but they can also be a serious pain and have a significant influence on daily life. The skin, airways, and mucous membranes are the most common sites for allergic responses. The symptoms normally develop shortly after coming into touch with the allergen, but they can take a few hours or days to appear.

Hypersensitivities are another term for allergies. Some hypersensitivities, however, are unrelated to allergies. Certain types of food hypersensitivity are among them (intolerances).The doctor should do a comprehensive medical examination because the symptoms are often similar.

COMMON ALLERGENS INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING

 Pollen

House dust mites

Pets and farm animals

The venom (poison) in insect stings and bites

Foods

Medication

Contact allergens (e.g. metals or fragrance ingredients)

Mold

UNDERSTANDING THE MECHANISM

Allergens cross-link preformed IgE bound to the high-affinity receptor FcRI on mast cells, triggering allergic responses. Mast cells are found on the surface of the body and help to alert the immune system to infection.They cause inflammatory reactions once activated by secreting chemical mediators stored in prepared granules, as well as generating leukotrienes and cytokines following activation. They cause severe allergic reactions to harmless antigens that aren’t connected with invading microorganisms that must be removed.

The symptoms of IgE-mediated mast-cell activation vary depending on the antigen amount and route of entry; symptoms range from the unpleasant sniffles of hay fever to the life-threatening circulatory collapse seen in systemic anaphylaxis.

Mast-cell degranulation causes an initial allergic reaction, which is followed by a longer-lasting inflammation known as the late-phase response. Other effector cells, especially TH2 lymphocytes, eosinophils, and basophils, are recruited during the late response and contribute considerably to the immunopathology of an allergic response.

SYMPTOMS OF ALLERGY

Runny nose, coughing, and sneezing

Breathing problems

Watery eyes

Itching

Rash

Swollen mucous membranes

Gastrointestinal problems

PREPARATION BEFORE THE TRIP

Take a peek at the latest pollen prediction before you embark on your trip to make sure you’re prepared. Check the pollen count at different times of the year to see when it is the lowest. If you can plan a trip during that time, it will help you feel better while you’re there.

If you can’t adjust your schedule, keep an eye on the weather forecast and prepare your meds accordingly.

If you have severe seasonal allergies that you believe would negatively impact your trip or vacation, attempt to go somewhere that will better accommodate your allergies.

In the spring, go skiing, sailing, or to the beach. All of these are safer alternatives.

PACK NECESSITIES

If you’re flying, bring everything you’ll need to deal with allergies in your carry-on or personal bag. Germs and allergies thrive in aeroplane cabins. Other passengers or flight crew members may have it on their clothes or other personal things if they are flying from high-pollen locations.

Mold spores and dust mites can also spread through the air aboard a plane or airport. Because these allergens attach to surfaces like seats and tray tables, you’re more likely to come into contact with them.

Pack nasal spray in addition to any medicines. This will reduce sneezing and a runny nose by keeping your nostrils wet. The same requirements apply if you want to travel by rail.

MEDICATIONS TO BE TAKEN

You may not have access to a drugstore or a doctor while traveling abroad. This means you’ll need to stock up on allergy medications and bring enough to last the duration of your stay. These medications may or may not be available in the country where you are traveling.

Antihistamines and inhalers should be packed in your carry-on suitcase to prevent them from becoming lost in your luggage. If you’re concerned that these things will be confiscated, have your doctor write a note to get them past security.

PRECAUTIONS TO BE TAKEN WHILE TRAVELLING

On a flight, the air supply isn’t likely to be excellent because you’re trapped in a small room with dozens of strangers. Prepare for the increased allergy concerns that come with cabin pressure by being aware of this challenge. Since the air aboard flights is extremely dry, bring nasal mist with you to help keep your nasal passages moist. You may also need a pain reliever for your sinuse, since air pressure can cause discomfort. Lavender essential oil, a natural antihistamine, may also help open up the sinuses.

You should also drink plenty of liquids when flying; hot drinks can help even more, especially if you have a sore throat. Although there is less air pressure in a car, road trips can still cause allergy problems. If you’re going on a road trip, turn on the air conditioner for 10 minutes before getting in the car. This will aid in the removal of dust and mold from air vents.

THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND WHEN AT THE DESTINATION

Once you’ve arrived at your location, there are a few more steps to take to overcome seasonal allergies.If you’re going to be outside, try to avoid doing so while pollen counts are at their highest usually between 5-10 a.m.. Allergies might be aggravated by dry, windy days.Also, try to shower at least once a day while you’re there to get rid of any pollen that may have gotten into your hair. Pollen particles can stick to your pillow if you don’t wash them away before sleeping.

You’ll be inhaling pollen all night, which will certainly exacerbate your problems.Also, if your hotel or room has it, switch on the air conditioner. Pollen counts and outside triggers will be considerably reduced as a result of this.

CHOOSE YOUR ROOM WISELY

Whether you’re staying in a hotel or a resort, dust mites and mould spores can survive in any hotel room.

Call your hotel ahead of time to see if they have allergy-free rooms. Synthetic pillowcases, microfiber mattress covers, a sterilised heater and air conditioner, and no carpet are common in these rooms. If your hotel doesn’t have allergy-friendly accommodations, request a pet-free room or one that faces the sun and isn’t near a pool. Mold spores thrive in dark, damp locations, therefore a sunny room can help to reduce this.

TAKEAWAY MESSAGE

In the end always remember to keep these precautions in mind.Also if the allergy does not subside in spite of taking the medications and precautions, consult the doctor immediately to avoid any further complications. Pack your bags and explore the world. As it is rightly said, “Travel without regrets and live without excuses.”