Business Travel Allergies
Business Travel and Allergy Management: Maintaining Symptom Control in Professional Travel Situations
Business trips often involve hotels, conferences and both short and long flights. For people with allergic rhinitis, leaving their familiar environment can bring surprises. Dust mites, old air-conditioning filters and strong fragrances – among other factors – may all worsen symptoms.
New environments often mean exposure to new allergens or different concentrations of familiar ones. Some cities may have higher autumn pollen levels; in others, the issue may be poor ventilation and dry air.
The good news is that with some planning it may be possible to minimise exposure and keep symptoms under control during essential professional travel.
Common Triggers by Environment
Hotel rooms: carpets, heavy curtains and bedding stored or cleaned differently from home may accumulate dust and mites. House dust mites thrive in warm (26°C) damp conditions and feed on dead skin scales. Cleaning products with strong fragrances may also irritate the airways.
Conferences and offices: air-conditioning or ventilation systems that may circulate unfiltered particles, upholstered chairs and curtains, and fragranced sprays. Indoor air quality in workplaces can significantly affect those with allergies.
Transport: air-conditioning, low humidity in cabins and dusty surfaces may contribute to symptoms.
Preparing Before the Trip
Pack any medicines you may need and keep them in your hand luggage. Always check airport security rules to avoid issues. NHS guidelines advise that you carry the majority in your hand luggage in a separate easily accessible bag and then some spare in your suitcase luggage in case of loss or damage.
If necessary, carry a medical letter or certificate, which can be useful for certain medications. If you are travelling to a location in a different time zone, adjust your schedule to continue taking your medication at the correct intervals. Always carry an extra dose in case of delays.
When booking accommodation, request a room without carpets and with hypoallergenic bedding. Rooms on higher floors may be preferable, as they tend to have lower humidity and potentially fewer dust mites.
During the Trip
Just before boarding, you can perform a nasal rinse or use a saline spray to hydrate the nasal passages. On the plane, direct the air vent away from your face. If you are sensitive to dust, quickly wipe the tray table and armrests with a wet wipe.
Once in your hotel room, open the windows for a few minutes to ventilate. If there is a strong fragrance or air freshener smell, request a room change. Avoid using decorative bed covers; choose inner sheets, which are washed more frequently.
Be cautious with hotel shampoos, conditioners and lotions. If possible, bring your own products, as unfamiliar fragrances or ingredients may irritate your skin or scalp. Finally, drink plenty of water to stay hydrated throughout your journey.
In Case of a Flare-Up
Histallay is a treatment option indicated to help manage nasal and eye symptoms of allergic rhinitis. Allergic rhinitis (e.g. hay fever) causes symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes when exposed to allergens such as pollen or dust. Histallay may be considered for relief of these symptoms when they occur. Taking the medicine as directed will support appropriate symptom management. Always follow the label instructions and avoid combining it with other medicines without professional guidance.
When to Seek Medical Advice
If you experience symptoms of a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis), such as sudden swelling of the lips, eyes, face or tongue, severe breathing difficulties, or a feeling of tightness in the throat, call emergency services immediately. These are medical emergencies requiring urgent treatment.
When travelling abroad, ensure you have appropriate travel insurance and understand how to access healthcare in your destination.
