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Make the goggles a part of your winter wear

Almost everyone loves to go on tours and what better time of the year than winter. With holidays round the corner and tour operators providing pocket-friendly packages, many families might have already prepared their itineraries. No wonder, tourism is the world’s biggest industry.

There are some who love visiting new places but shudder at the very thought of travel. They suffer from symptoms like motion sickness, running nose, itchy eyes and traveller’s diarrhoea. Carrying a First Aid pack can keep most of these problems at bay.

“While travelling, a person’s body doesn’t move but the brain gets a sensation of movement and that causes motion sickness in some people. One should consume light food without much oil. Using goggles to protect the eyes from the sun can be of help and ginger is a good home remedy during travel,” says Dr. Sanjeev Kumar, a gastroenterologist of Seven Hills Hospital.

Popping an anti-emetic drug like Avomine (25 mg) half-an-hour before travel can be of help. Care should, however, be taken to avoid taking this drug if the person concerned has to drive a vehicle as it causes sedation. Pregnant women should take medical advice before consuming the drug. Never consume alcohol during journey breaks.

If the problem persists even at the end of the journey, one should consult a doctor. Carrying electrolytes like electral powder and safe drinking water is very important to give instant energy during dehydration, he says.

“Anti-histamines help in controlling frequent bouts of sneezing, running nose, itchy and watery eyes and other indications that indicate allergy to pollution. Here again, most anti-histamines are sedative and should be avoided when driving,” Dr. Sanjeev Kumar notes.

Stress, change in water and food and change in environment are the main factors that trigger travel sickness. People with pre-existing conditions like diabetes mellitus, hypertension and coronary diseases should be extra careful during travel. They should carry their usual drugs and shouldn’t exert themselves beyond a certain point.

Some of the diseases that are acquired during travel include viral flu, traveller’s diarrhea, motion sickness and urinary tract infections. One should carry analgesics, anti-emetic and antibiotics during travel, says Dr. Sesha Mohan Debta, consultant physician, Apollo Hospitals.

A running nose, diarrhea or motion sickness can rob the fun in enjoying a great holiday. Simple precautions like these can go a long way in making pleasure tours memorable.

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