Jet Lag
In these times it is possible to move over great distances in a very short time, which that causes the passage of several time zones. To this are added waiting times at airports, flight hours, arrival in an unknown environment, changes in weather and food, among other things. For these reasons, the passenger can easily suffer from stress, nausea, diarrhea or constipation, fatigue and insomnia, the duration of these discomforts being variable, depending on each individual, usually passing in a few hours.
Altitude (Altitude Sickness)
High altitudes cause changes due to lack of oxygen, variations in temperature and increased physical activity. It is advisable that travelers who suffer from a chronic illness consult their doctor before embarking on the trip. The so-called altitude sickness usually appears above 3,000 meters in gradual ascents, or above 2,500 meters in people who go directly from sea level to high altitudes (the most common).
The most frequent symptoms appear between 4 and 8 hours after arrival and are: headache, insomnia, dizziness, nausea, lack of appetite and tiredness. They will gradually go away with descent and common pain relievers, but may last several days. On occasions, these symptoms can be of great intensity, with cardiopulmonary complications that constitute a medical emergency, which will require medical attention. medical consultation and immediate descent from height. To have a reference of the heights to which the traveler usually reaches directly from sea level, cities such as: Cuzco (Peru) at 3,200 meters, La Paz (Bolivia) at 4,200 meters, Quito (Ecuador) can be mentioned. ) at 2850 meters and Bogotá () at 2600 meters.
Traveller's Diarrhea< /span>
It is the most frequent condition in travelers, (up to 40% of those who travel to tropical regions). It is usually caused by bacteria that are acquired through contaminated food or drink. Although it is not usually serious, it can force you to modify the planned trip, being more vulnerable in general, children, the elderly, and travelers with depressed immunity for various reasons.
Some precautions with food and drinks (basic measures suggested hygiene)
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Wash your hands often, especially before and after eating , handling food, and going to the bathroom
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Consume only pasteurized milk and dairy products. Be careful with fresh cheeses
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Running water does not offer guarantees of safety everywhere, being an element that can trigger severe diarrhea, so it is advisable to drink bottled or properly treated water. Packaged hot drinks and soft drinks are safer
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Do not use ice cubes that have not been prepared with safe water
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Pay attention to pastries and ice cream, which can be origin of diseases
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Avoid eating raw fish and shellfish, some countries offer certain species of fish and shellfish that can contain potent biotoxins, which, even when cooked, can cause serious digestive disorders
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Try to eat food that is sufficiently cooked and served hot
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Care should be taken with sauces and preparations containing raw eggs
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Avoid eating raw fruits, and if possible, peel them yourself
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Avoid food offered by street vendors in certain places
Constipation
It is not uncommon for constipation to occur during surgery. n a trip, of course greater in people who usually suffer from it. In general, this symptom, almost always temporary, is produced by prolonged immobility in vehicle seats (planes, buses, automobiles), dehydration, changes in eating habits, and dietary transgressions. In general, it is a temporary discomfort that reverts without the need for any treatment. The same thing usually happens with "abdominal pain", more frequent in susceptible people, and which is usually caused by the abuse of spicy seasonings, consumption of alcoholic beverages and acidic fruits. In both cases, it is enough to restore the nutritional balance with an appropriate diet to solve the problem.
Passenger with Chronic Conditions (General Tips)
Regardless of illness, the traveler with a chronic health problem you should consider the following suggestions:
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Carry accessible identification that allows you to know the disease you have span>
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Plan ahead and your doctor to take appropriate action
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Bring enough medication for the duration of the trip
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Bring a brief summary, if possible in English, explaining the diagnosis aesthetics and treatment
Diabetic Traveler
It is important to carry duplicates (hand luggage and suitcase) medication and Necessary material for glucose control (disposable syringes or lancets, test strips, etc.). Carry a food item on hand to prevent or quickly treat hypoglycemia. During the trip, respect the meal schedule, taking care of the insulin doses, (if used) in case of excesses or lack of adequate food. Keep in mind that it may be necessary, depending on the chosen destination, to adjust the dose of the antidiabetic drug commonly used. The diabetic traveler should be extremely careful with excesses in physical activity and take into account the footwear you wear, traumatisms or wounds on beaches or swimming pools, among other things, avoiding the complications derived from these in the diabetic passenger.
Traveler with cardiovascular or respiratory disease
Travel is generally discouraged for people with heart failure, arrhythmias, or angina pectoris, until at least 3 months after the acute episode, and they must be stabilized before embarking on their trip. After a recent acute myocardial infarction or stroke, they should wait 4 to 6 weeks for their disease to stabilize before traveling by plane in the case of a myocardial infarction and 2 to 6 weeks in the case of a myocardial infarction. acute cerebrovascular accident. Of course, the personal doctor is the final person responsible for the treatment. authorize or delay the planned trip in all cases. Travelers with pacemakers should bring a recent electrocardiogram and identification of the implanted pacemaker. Airport detectors usually do not alter their operation. Passengers with chronic respiratory ailments, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), pulmonary emphysema, recurrent bronchial diseases or allergic respiratory manifestations, among others, should take into account all the suggestions mentioned in particular when they visit cities at high altitudes above sea level, climates with very wide thermal variations or places with high levels of humidity, it being advisable, in all cases, to consult with their family doctor prior to the trip to obtain advice about of this topic.
Allergy traveler
Passengers with a history of allergies of any kind (rhinitis, dermatitis, respiratory bronchospasm, skin eruptions, etc) should take extreme precautions, especially when visiting areas or regions with significant environmental pollution, as well as Also, take precautions against insect bites, usually mosquitoes, ticks (endemic in some areas) or avoid, if possible, contact with certain allergens present in abundance in various places, both in spas and beaches, as well as wild fields. Remember that both spring and autumn are the seasons of the year in which the symptoms of allergies appear and/or worsen. Remember that exaggerated exposure to the sun can cause allergy, photo-sensitivity and even significant burns, so protection with appropriate creams is suggested and make rational use of it in the hours when minors damages. This suggestion is particularly important to take into account in tropical countries, and also for travelers to the mountains, especially during their stay in the snow, since the latter also causes injuries as described above. Special head protection is suggested with caps and hats, sunglasses, and clothing appropriate to the prevailing weather.
Watch out for water
In the tropics, freshwater courses, lakes, canals , etc. they can be infected by larvae that penetrate the skin causing diseases. Avoid washing and bathing in water that may be contaminated by human or animal excrement, as it can be a route of infection in the eyes, ears, and intestines. Only pools with chlorinated water are safe. In sea water, in principle, these risks do not exist, but it is advisable to find out if it is in the water. Bathing is allowed and does not pose a health hazard. Jellyfish stings can cause severe pain and skin irritation. There are places where bathers are suggested some type of appropriate footwear to protect them from fish bites and stings, coral dermatitis and against shellfish, crustaceans and toxic sea anemones.
Sexually transmitted diseases
These diseases, including hepatitis B and HIV AIDS, have continued to increase They are found in all statistics and exist in virtually every country in the world. Prevention measures abroad are the same as those that must be adopted in the traveler's country of origin. It is important to remember that there is no danger of transmission of AIDS, due to the fact of traveling in public transport, usual greetings, eating utensils, use of public bathrooms or by mosquito bites or other insects. Special care must be taken when using needles to perform tattoos or acupuncture, since these can be adequately sterilized, in little-recognized sites.
(A contribution by Dr. Alberto Imposti)