Why You Should See a Columbia ENT Before Holiday Travel

The holiday season is a time of joy, holiday cheer, and a lot of traveling for so many people. Whether you’re traveling to a new place or visiting friends and family, traveling can take a toll on your ear, nose, and throat health in ways you don’t even know.

Here at Columbia Breathe Free, we offer several tips and strategies to residents of Columbia, Lexington, and nearby communities to manage their sinus symptoms during the holidays.

How Holiday Travels Affect Sinus Health

❌Changes in air pressure can trigger headaches, ear pain and discomfort, sinus pain and pressure, and nasal congestion in sensitive individuals.

❌Dry and stale air can often be present in closed spaces like a plane, car, or train. This can be drying and irritating to the nose and throat, and may contribute to issues in some people.

❌Allergens and other airborne irritants can be present in the air and may trigger symptoms in those who suffer from allergies.

Columbia ENT Holiday Appointments: Should You See One Before Your Holiday Travel?

Traveling during the holidays can be tough on your ears, nose, and throat. If you have existing ENT conditions, scheduling an ENT holiday appointment may help you manage your symptoms better.

Consider seeing your care provider in Columbia if you experience:

⭕Chronic sinus problems

⭕Recurring ear infections

⭕Ongoing allergies

⭕Throat pain or discomfort

⭕Hearing concerns

⭕Tinnitus

During your pre-travel consultation, speak to your care provider about how your travel destination and activities might affect your condition. Review your current treatment and management plan and ask about ENT travel essentials to help manage your symptoms better.

Sinus Travel Prep: Holiday Travel Tips for Columbia, SC, Residents and Travelers

✅After consultation with your ENT care provider, consider packing travel sinus essentials such as allergy medication, antihistamines, decongestants, saline nasal sprays, and pain relievers. Talk to your doctor before starting any new medications.

✅Monitor pollen and allergen levels, especially the forecast at your final destination.

✅Use a dust mask, hats, scarves, and sunglasses to minimize your exposure to potential allergens and irritants.

✅Bring and use your own bed and pillow covers at your accommodation.

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

✅Wash your hands with soap and water to wash away allergens, irritants, germs, viruses, and bacteria. If they’re not available, alcohol, sanitizer, and disinfectant wipes may be used as alternatives.

✅If you’re traveling by car, keep the windows up as much as possible to prevent potential irritants from getting into the car. Keep the temperature inside the car comfortable and avoid blowing air directly at your face.

✅If the air pressure changes and starts causing pain or discomfort in your ears, equalize air pressure in the ears by yawning, chewing gum, or sucking on hard candy.

✅At your destination, request a pet-free, non-smoking, and allergen-safe room, if available.

Holiday ENT Care at Columbia Breathe Free

People with sensitive ears, nose, and throat may experience increased issues during the holiday travel season. Our team at Columbia Breathe Free offers in-office ENT consultations to help our patients in Columbia and the surrounding communities explore tailored ENT care strategies to manage their symptoms.

Should I See an ENT Doctor Before Traveling From Columbia, SC?

If you’re traveling for the holidays, scheduling a consultation with our board-certified ENT specialists in Lexington, SC, might offer more insights into your symptoms and offer personalized strategies that may help manage your symptoms more effectively, depending on individual results, condition, and health goals.