It’s the last thing vacationers think of when embarking on a getaway: What happens if you have a medical emergency? While such negative thoughts should never interfere with much-needed vacations, it’s still possible to be prepared for potential emergencies that may happen while away from home. Being aware of some of the most common medical issues that travelers face can help you take precautions and be ready to handle those unexpected situations. Here are some of the most common medical emergencies that travelers encounter and how to deal with them.
Dealing with motion sickness
Whether it’s by plane, train, cruise ship, or automobile, motion sickness can ruin an otherwise fun trip. Motion sickness occurs when your senses send conflicting information to your brain. It happens because your brain is confused – swaying on a boat makes your inner ear sense movement, but inside the boat it’s stationary. This confusion of the brain causes dizziness, nausea, and other unpleasant symptoms.
To alleviate symptoms of motion sickness, consider over-the-counter medications like dimenhydrinate or meclizine. It’s also helpful to choose a seat where motion is less perceptible, such as the front seat in a car or over the wings in an airplane.
Managing digestive problems
There are all sorts of reasons travelers can run into digestive – and terribly inconvenient –issues while traveling. One of the most common culprits is simply a change in what people eat, disrupting the gut’s microbiome, which is the balance of bacteria in the intestines. Eating unfamiliar foods, overindulging in rich or spicy meals, and consuming more alcohol than usual can all contribute to digestive upset.
Another factor that can contribute to digestive problems is stress. Traveling can be stressful, with changes in routine, time zones, and environment. This stress can trigger the release of hormones that affect digestion, leading to symptoms like constipation, diarrhea, and bloating. Changes in sleep patterns and dehydration can also contribute to digestive issues.
To avoid digestive problems while traveling, it is important to maintain a healthy diet, drink plenty of fluids, and manage stress. Packing familiar snacks and probiotic supplements can help keep your gut’s microbiome balanced. It also doesn’t hurt to relax and try to eliminate the stress. That’s what vacations are for.
Other medical issues while traveling
- Sunburns: Excessive sun exposure can lead to sunburn and heat exhaustion, particularly in tropical or high-temperature destinations. It’s common knowledge that applying sunscreen with a high SPF regularly is the best deterrent. To cool and soothe sunburned skin, take a cool bath or shower and apply aloe vera gel or a moisturizer that contains aloe vera or soy.
- Allergic Reactions: Allergic reactions to insect bites, pollen, or certain foods can occur during travel, posing a significant concern for some individuals. Packing antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine, and carrying an epinephrine auto-injector for severe allergies can help manage unexpected allergic responses effectively.
- Minor Injuries: Minor injuries like cuts, bruises, or sprains are common during travel, especially for adventure enthusiasts. Carrying a compact first-aid kit with bandages, antiseptic wipes, and pain relievers can aid in promptly addressing minor injuries and preventing complications.
- Immediate Medical Assistance: In severe cases such as chest pain, breathing difficulties, or severe injuries, immediate medical attention may be needed. Familiarize yourself with local emergency numbers and healthcare facilities at your travel destination to make sure you have quick access to professional medical care when needed.
By being aware of the most common medical emergencies when traveling, and preparing accordingly, you can safeguard your health and well-being during your journeys. Prevention is always key, which means carrying essential medications and first-aid supplies can help you handle unexpected medical situations effectively. But don’t stress out about it.
