Millions of men, women, and children suffer from chronic headaches and migraines across the globe. Nobody would want to deal with migraines while on a plane or driving to a destination, or when on holiday. Nothing could be worse than getting a migraine attack while traveling.Follow these tips and guidance here about how to combat migraine.
Traveling with migraines or getting a migraine can be a real damper on your trip. So, how does one ensure that their trip or travel remains absolutely headache-free? Well, it is possible, and all you need to do is be careful and follow some instructions that can help keep your next travel migraine-free.
Some common triggers can develop when traveling, and you should be aware of those triggers and how to deal with them.
- Stress and anxiety – It is common to develop some anxiety before a trip as one has to make reservations, pack, and stay organized. Most people are well familiar with the stressful times due to travel. They are not aware that when the stress levels fall significantly when they reach their destination, it can trigger a migraine attack.
Tip: Always plan ahead and stay organized when it comes to every little travel detail to avoid stress and unnecessary anxiety. Be well prepared for any unforeseen events or delays. - Excessive noise and continuous sound- Traveling by any mode of transport means exposure to continuous sound and noise. It could be the humming sound within the plane, in-cabin announcements, or the horn and breaks on public transport. Such long periods of noise exposure can be a cause of migraines.
Tip: Wear earplugs or hearing protection devices to keep yourself safe from the annoying noise and sound during travel. So, pack earplugs and earmuffs to avoid loud sounds and noise during travel. If that is not sufficient, try Paingone Qalm for fast, effective relief and always keep it in your hand luggage. - Dehydration and hunger – Dehydration and missed meals are one of the most common causes of migraine attacks among passengers. For example, the air circulating within the planes is devoid of any moisture and can lead to dehydration. Delays and travel disruption can lead to missed meals or having heavily processed foods, and those factors can contribute to a migraine.
Tip: Stay well hydrated and drink plenty of fluids, especially when on a long flight or heading for a destination with a hot climate. Avoid trigger foods or drinking caffeinated beverages and eat healthy snacks on the trip. - Jet lag and lack of sleep – Another common reason behind getting a migraine during travel is lack of sleep and jetlag. Jet lag is expected when one crosses time zones, and it often takes several days to recover from lost sleep. Those times can make one particularly vulnerable to those already suffering from migraines.
Tip- Try to overcome the jet lag and do not stay awake for too long or take long naps even if you are jet-lagged. Get adjusted to the new sleeping cycle as soon as possible. - Strong odors and unpleasant smells – It is not uncommon to get subjected to strange smells while traveling. It could be the strong smell of the engine fuel or the cigarette cloud of smokers at public spots or those standing outside the terminal. Such smells and odors can easily trigger a migraine when traveling.
Tip: You can rub some pleasant oil such as peppermint or lavender under your nose to block those strong odors temporarily and get some relief. - Changes in weather– Any change in climate, temperature, humidity, and altitude may be potential triggers for those vulnerable. If one is prone to getting headaches, any changes in temperatures, humidity and pressure can prompt chemical changes in the brain that can cause migraines.
Tip: Do not stay for a long time in the sun if you are prone to weather-related triggers. Put sunscreen on and wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses when out in the hot sun.
Some other possible reasons could be exposure to bright lights, alcohol, and lack of movement.
Being well prepared holds the key to avoiding a migraine attack during travel. Always carry your emergency migraine kit with all the pills and medications to survive the migraine attack. It is essential to act immediately and intervene early to be in better control while traveling.
Nothing could be worse than getting a migraine attack while traveling. So, follow the above tips and guidance to be well prepared and keep your next trip migraine-free.
