Top-10 most uncomfortable health conditions to travel with

Sponsored content

Traveling is a wonderful way to open your mind and remind you that you’re part of the human family. Solo travelers actually feel less isolated when they need to rely on a stranger. Families and friends who travel in groups can grow stronger bonds than those who stay home. Travel stretches us in positive ways.

It’s critical that travelers be able to get around safely. This may mean traveling with a friend or relative who can give you give you a steadying hand, or someone who can help you manage your luggage. Illness during travel must be managed quickly to avoid long-term risks to your healthy.

Managing the most uncomfortable health conditions when traveling

1) Diarrhea: Whether you pick up a parasite, a virus or just eat something that doesn’t agree with you, diarrhea is miserable both at home and on the road. Make sure you stay hydrated with bottled water and stay away from dairy and greasy foods. Carry Imodium or Pepto to sip to soothe your tummy, and consider taking a down day to let your stomach settle.
2) Insects bites: Many insect bites can be soothed with an ice pack. If you have pain and swelling, a Benadryl can also reduce your discomfort. Carefully monitor yourself for any difficulty

• talking
• swallowing
• inhaling

as this can indicate swelling in the throat. Any respiratory blockage or swelling means you must seek medical help immediately.

3) Infections: If you get a bump or a cut, clean the wound immediately with hydrogen peroxide. Wipe around the injury with alcohol and apply a covering to avoid further damage and contamination. Should you notice inflammation, pain, or any oozing, you may need an antibiotic shot to fight off infection.

4) Tooth injury: Traveling with a toothache is a nightmare. Over the counter medications can help to hold off the pain. Try to avoid exposing the tooth to extreme hot and cold. If you notice swelling and are planning to fly, try to get the tooth treated before you get on the plane; changes in pressure can greatly increase your discomfort.

5) HGH deficiency: For those suffering from pituitary damage, illness or tumor, you are likely already undergoing injection therapy. Pack a small case that includes your Humatrope HGH product (as the most commonly prescribed growth hormone injection brand), clean needles, cleansing wipes and band-aids for cleanup. You will probably need a letter from your physician to justify traveling with needles and growth hormone. Wrap a copy of this letter around your sealed case and carry another on your person. Don’t let security take apart your needle case and put you at risk of contamination.

6) Jet lag: If at all possible, allow time to get over jet lag. Try to sleep when the urge hits, but if you can push through you will probably overcome it more quickly. Consider carrying melatonin to help you better adjust to the new times of darkness in your new location.

7) Muscle pain: Whether you’ve been hiking or have taken a fall on a cobbled street, muscle pain can take away the joy of your travels. Try to stretch after a day of walking. Pay special attention to your legs and feet. A cooling shower or bath can reduce inflammation, as can an NSAID and a lighter walking schedule the next day.

8) Kidney stones: Small stones pass before causing symptoms, but large kidney stones can cause blood and pus in your urine. Pain, radiating to the groin, is a common symptom. If you can’t pass the stone, you may need

• NSAIDs to relieve pain
• an antiemetic to reduce nausea
• a channel blocker to help your body expel the stone

Surgery may be needed to remove large stones, but sound wave therapy can also be used to break them up and allow the body to shed them without surgery.

9) Shingles: Shingles is a viral condition that can lead to weeping blisters, a great deal of pain and skin irritation. Any open skin must be treated with great care; those open wounds are subject to infection and are an active viral source. Shingles results in nerve pain; the discomfort can be severe. Stress can bring on shingles. An anti-inflammatory medication can reduce your pain, and calamine lotion can reduce the itching and burning of open shingles, as can a cold compress. Don’t ice unless you use a timer to avoid frostbite.

10) Dengue: Dengue fever is a risk in tropical countries and in the hot and humid regions on the southern United States. It’s transmitted by the Aedes mosquito. Avoid mosquito bites, but if you develop

• fever
• nausea and vomiting
• a torso rash
• eye, joint or bone pain

you may indeed have picked up Dengue. Stay hydrated and avoid aspirin. Most people are better within 7 days.

What to Pack

In addition to any medications or hormone supplements, you will want to carry a clean supply of needles, droppers or other applicators as needed. Carry

• alcohol swabs
• band-aids
• a plastic bag you can turn into an ice pack
• a small towel to wrap it in; ice directly on the skin can cause frostbite
• pain reliever
• an NSAID that works with your stomach
• applesauce and a plastic spoon for upset stomach
• a thermometer
• a wrap that you can use for warmth or shade
• calamine lotion if you’re prone to rash
• your prescribed epi-pen
• tissue

Protecting yourself with sunblock and mosquito repellent will help at the beach. Good walking shoes will keep you comfortable in a new city. Proper hiking gear will reduce the risk of blisters. Keep a healthy stock of all prescription medications and be ready to take a day of rest.