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(HealthNewsDigest.com) – While the hustle and bustle of the holiday season can be exciting, the strenuous travel, full social calendars and wintertime activities can be a recipe for sickness. Board CertifiedOtolarynologist Dr. Jordan Pritikin explains that holiday travel and the flight especially can contribute to splitting headaches. Below are Dr. Pritikin’s tips for preventing air-travel headaches this holiday season:
- Unblock sinuses: It’s always smart to bring a nasal decongestant on an airplane. The change in air pressure when you take off and begin to land can affect your nose and ears, which may result in a headache. Using a nasal decongestant can help unblock your sinuses and help you avoid feeling like your head is about to explode.
- Stick to your normal sleep pattern: It is important for you to be well-rested before your flight. If you’re crossing time zones, start training yourself by going to bed at the same time you’ll go to bed in that time zone. It won’t matter what time you go to bed and wake up as long as you sleep the same amount of hours you usually do. This will help you avoid headaches that are caused from too much sleep, not enough sleep or from jet lag.
- Give yourself time: Rushing to the airport and wondering if you’re going to make your flight is stressful. To avoid getting a headache from this, get to the airport early to give yourself plenty of time. You’ll be more thankful to sit around for an hour before boarding your flight than suffer from a pounding headache.
- Take medicine: You can easily avoid a headache if you take medication for pain relief and inflammation such as ibuprofen before or during your flight. If you normally experience excruciating headaches during a flight, you can talk to your doctor beforehand about prescribing medication that will help you get through your travels.
- Eat and stay hydrated: Don’t skip out on any meals before your flight. Make sure you eat before arriving to the airport and pack a few snacks for the plane. You also want to make sure you drink plenty of water before, during, and after your flight so you stay hydrated. Don’t drink too much caffeine either. If you usually have one cup of coffee, only drink one cup. Avoid drinking alcohol before and during your flight as well.
- Exercise: Exercising regularly before, during and after a flight will help alleviate stress and help with circulation, which will decrease your chances of a headache. When you’re on a plane for a long period of time, try to walk around even if it is just to the bathroom and back. You can also try stretching in your seat or rolling your ankles and wrists around to get your blood flowing.
About Dr. Jordan Pritikin
Dr. Jordan Pritikin is a board-certified otolaryngologist at Chicago Nasal & Sinus Center, a private medical practice devoted to the diagnosis and treatment of nasal and sinus disorders. Dr. Pritikin is a Fellow of the American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery and attendedRush Medical College in Chicago, where he was selected to the Alpha Omega Alpha Honors Medical Society. Over the years, Dr. Pritikin has cultivated an interest in Rhinology, focusing his practice on diseases of the nose and sinuses, and has participated in clinical research exploring innovative therapies for chronic sinusitis. He has lectured at local and national meetings, developed informational and training videos demonstrating surgical techniques for the nose and sinuses, and has helped develop and refine instruments designed for sinus surgery. Dr. Pritikin and the Chicago Nasal & Sinus Center offer patients an unparalleled level of service, utilizing state-of-the art technology and innovative treatments while maintaining a thoughtful and caring approach. For more information visit http://www.
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