How to Keep Your Sinuses Healthy While You Travel
- Posted on: May 24 2023
Does it seem like you get sick every time you travel? It can be frustrating if you pick up a sinus infection or cold after plane travel. Congestion, runny nose, pressure, postnasal drip…all these symptoms are no fun while on vacation!
Here are some tips on how to keep your sinuses healthy while you travel so hopefully you can reduce your risk of getting sick.
1. Have a good nasal routine
If you already have sinus issues, you may have a nasal routine in place to keep your symptoms at bay. A good nasal cleaning routine can be very helpful when traveling too. Your nasal lining is your first line of defense so it is very important to keep it clean and healthy!
This includes:
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- Daily saline rinsing: You can use premixed saline (easiest to travel with) to rinse your nose at least once a day. This helps clear out pollen, bacteria, viruses, and mucus build-up. You can find premixed saline at CVS, Walgreens, and lots of other drug stores.
- Nasal spray: You may or may not already use a nasal spray to manage allergies or congestion. Using some spray after your saline rinse can help block allergic reactions that produce swelling, drainage or sneezing. You can use over-the-counter sprays such as Astepro®, Flonase®, or Nasacort®.
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2. Wear a mask
A mask can be very helpful during plane travel because the plane air is recirculating virus or bacteria molecules throughout the air.
3. Keep your hands clean and avoid touching your face.
Travel with a mini hand sanitizer and use it throughout your travel. Avoid touching your face to minimize the risk of direct exposure to bacteria or viruses through your nose or mouth.
4. Consider using sinus medications if needed.
If you have a history of sinus or ear pressure and pain with plane travel, consider taking Sudafed 1 hour before taking off. You can also use 2 sprays of Afrin® in each nostril 30 minutes before take-off (DO NOT USE THIS SPRAY CONSISTENTLY). This can help keep your sinuses and Eustachian tubes open and decrease swelling.
5. Preventative Care
One of the best ways to decrease the risk of getting sick is preventative care for your sinuses. As stated above, your nasal lining is one of your first lines of defense against viruses and bacteria.
Schedule a Consultation
Consider getting a consultation at our office at Sinus and Snoring Specialists. We evaluate your sinuses using numerous methods to give you an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan including low-radiation sinus CT scans, nasal endoscopes, audiograms, and more.
Some patients who have chronic sinus issues are candidates for balloon sinuplasty or other simple in-office procedures.
If you have allergy issues, we may recommend allergy testing and allergy drops to build up your immunity against common environmental allergens.
Whatever your issue, we can help you take care of your sinuses so you can decrease your risk for infections while you travel.
Call/Securely Text our office at 512.601.0303 to set up an appointment today.
Tagged with: sinus infection and travel
Posted in: Sinus and Nasal
