Travellers Resources

When travelling, you’ll still need to take any prescriptions that you take regularly, and make sure that you pack enough for the duration of your entire trip. If you’re planning on a long journey to which you current prescription will not last you should contact your local GP and pharmacist to make necessary arrangements.

There is now a wide range of over the counter drugs that can be bought all throughout the world to help with travel remedies. It should however never be forgotten that all drugs, medicines or not can have potential side effects and one should always read the label and seek professional assistance if your condition worsens. This should be particularly adhered to by women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Here are some of the most common travel maladies and ailments, along with some suggested remedies.

Deep Vein Thrombosis – DVT

DVT can be serious and potentially fatal condition in which blood clots build in the leg. In spite of its age old nickname, “economy class syndrome,” it’s actually quite common on long-haul flights in any class of service where the passenger’s movement is restricted.

Those who have a history of health issues with the blood particularly things like cancer and blood clots are more at risk than others. If you have a history of health issues it would be recommended to just have a quick word with your GP before your flight.

One study recently released suggests that those with window seats are more at risk as they’re less likely to get out of their seat during the flight.

The best way to combat Deep Vein Thrombosis is to keep a good blood circulation, wiggle your toes, roll your ankles even get up and stretch your legs by walking up the aisle.

Motion Sickness

Motion sickness is a term that describes an unpleasant combination of symptoms, such as dizziness, nausea and vomiting, that can occur when you’re travelling.

It’s also sometimes known as travel sickness, seasickness, car sickness or air sickness.

Initial symptoms of motion sickness may include: pale skin, cold sweat, dizziness, an increase in saliva and vomiting.  Some people also experience additional symptoms, such as: rapid, shallow breathing, headaches, drowsiness and extreme tiredness.

What causes motion sickness?

Motion sickness is usually associated with travelling in a car, ship, plane or train. However, you can also get it on fairground rides and while watching or playing fast-paced films or computer games.

Motion sickness is thought to occur when there’s a conflict between what your eyes see and what your inner ears, which help with balance, sense.

Your brain holds details about where you are and how you’re moving. It constantly updates this with information from your eyes and vestibular system. The vestibular system is a network of nerves, channels and fluids in your inner ear, which gives your brain a sense of motion and balance.

If there’s a mismatch of information between these two systems, your brain can’t update your current status and the resulting confusion will lead to symptoms of motion sickness, such as nausea and vomiting.

When to seek medical advice

It’s only necessary to seek medical advice about motion sickness if your symptoms continue after  you stop travelling. Your GP will be able to rule out other possible causes of your symptoms, such as a viral infection of your inner ear (labyrinthitis).

Treating motion sickness

Mild symptoms of motion sickness can usually be improved using techniques such as fixing your eyes on the horizon or distracting yourself by listening to music.  Other self care techniques you could try include:

Keep still – if possible, choose a cabin or seat in the middle of a boat or plane, because this is where you’ll experience the least movement.

Look at a stable object – for example, the horizon. Reading or playing games may make your symptoms worse. Closing your eyes may help relieve symptoms.

Fresh air – open windows or move to the top deck of a ship to avoid getting too hot and to get a good supply of fresh air.

Relax – by listening to music while focusing on your breathing or carrying out a mental activity, such as counting backwards from 100.

Stay calm – keep calm about the journey. You’re more likely to get motion sickness if you worry about it.

It’s also a good idea to avoid eating a large meal or drinking alcohol before travelling. You shouldmkeep well hydrated throughout your journey by drinking water.

Medication

More severe motion sickness can be treated with medication. It’s usually better to take medication for motion sickness before your journey to prevent symptoms developing.

Hyoscine

Hyoscine, also known as scopolamine, is widely used to treat motion sickness. It’s thought to work by blocking some of the nerve signals sent from the vestibular system.

Hyoscine is available over the counter from pharmacists. To be effective, you’ll need to take it before travelling. If you’re going on a long journey – for example, by sea – hyoscine patches can be applied to your skin every three days.

Common side effects of hyoscine include drowsiness, blurred vision and dizziness. As hyoscine can cause drowsiness, avoid taking it if you’re planning to drive.

Hyoscine should also be used with caution in children, the elderly, and if you have certain conditions such as epilepsy or a history of heart, kidney or liver problems.

Antihistamines

Antihistamines are used to treat symptoms of allergies, but can also help to control nausea and vomiting. They’re less effective at treating motion sickness than hyoscine, but may cause fewer side effects.

They’re usually taken as tablets one or two hours before your journey. If it’s a long journey, you may  need to take a dose every eight hours. Like hyoscine, some antihistamines can cause drowsiness.  Your pharmacist can advise you.

Complementary therapies

Several complementary therapies have been suggested for motion sickness, although the evidence for their effectiveness is mixed.

Ginger

Ginger supplements, or other ginger products including ginger biscuits or ginger tea, may help to prevent symptoms of motion sickness. Ginger is sometimes used to treat other types of nausea, such as morning sickness during pregnancy.

Although there’s little scientific evidence to support the use of ginger to treat motion sickness, it has a long history of being used as a remedy for nausea and vomiting.

Before taking ginger supplements, check with your GP that they won’t affect any other medication you’re taking.

Acupressure bands

Acupressure bands are stretchy bands worn around the wrists. They apply pressure to a particular point on the inside of your wrist between the two tendons on your inner arm.

Some complementary therapists claim that using an acupressure band can help to treat motion sickness. Although acupressure bands don’t cause any adverse side effects, there’s little scientific evidence to show they’re an effective treatment for motion sickness.

Sleeping Medications

Sleeping on a plane is a true challenge for some people, the cabin noise rivals that of the biggest summer festivals, the seats are cramped, hard and appear designed for the vertically challenged, and then of course, there are the constant interruptions.

Please speak to your GP or travel heal specialist if you have these symptoms prior to your journey

Sinus and Ear Infections
Sinus and ear infections are a common side effect of high altitude travel, especially if you already have a cold, allergies or a weakened immune system.

It may be helpful to speak to your travel health specialist, pharmacist or your GP about your symptoms about possible about use a decongestant or nasal spray before take-off.