Holiday Health Q&A with Dr. Donzelli

In addition to family and fun, the holidays present a wide array of challenges – from how to prevent motion sickness to acid reflux. Here are a few of the most frequently asked questions that Dr. Donzelli of Midwest ENT Consultants receives around the holidays each year.

Q. How do you prevent an ill-timed nosebleed caused by winter dryness?

A. When you’re at a holiday party, the last thing you want to worry about is an embarrassing nosebleed. Nosebleeds are common in the winter months due to over-dryness, uncontrolled hypertension and sinus infections. If you suffer from nosebleeds, try a nasal saline rinse to keep your nose hydrated, thus reducing cracking and bleeding. Saline also improves your sinuses’ ability to self-cleanse, helping to clear viruses, bacterial particles and allergens.

Q. What can holiday travelers do to prevent motion sickness?

A. Motion sickness can be reduced by taking an antihistamine prior to car or air travel. In severe cases, the use of mecilizine can be employed, however this medication is very sedating, so be sure to plan ahead and avoid driving under all circumstances when using this product.

Q. What can fliers do to prevent ear pain that may occur at high altitudes on an airplane?

A. Ear pain and pressure are possible on any flight, as your ears rely on a functioning eustachian tube that connects your ear to the back of your nose. Therefore, the more congested your nose is, the worse your ears will perform during flight. To avoid ear pain in the air, try using a nasal spray decongestant as well as oral decongestants. For optimal results, start these medications one to two days prior to travel, continue them throughout departure, and then restart them one to two days prior to return. Also purchase over-the-counter ear plugs, such as EarPlanes, to help your ears adjust to pressure on ascent and descent. While in flight, performing swallowing motions to engage muscles will help open the eustachian tube,allowing for pressure relief. Chewing gum or drinking a beverage can help. Do not try to “pop” your ears, as this can lead to more serious ear trauma. Be sure to seek the advice of your doctor if you do have a cardiac condition, or are pregnant, prior to self-medicating.

Q. At holiday gatherings, we all tend to eat much more than our usual intake, sometimes causing reflux. Any tips for minimizing these effects?

A. As hard as it might be over the holidays, avoid over-indulging in unhealthy treats. Reflux, when not controlled, not only causes throat burning and pain, but it is the number two cause of throat clearing and coughing, next to allergies. After eating, try to give yourself at least three hours before lying down to sleep. Also, try to minimize caffeine intake and increase water intake, since water will help the reflux and also add moisture to your sinuses.

Q. Do you have any final words of advice for the holiday season?

A. One thing that’s so important to stress is to keep your hands clean! Don’t forget that flu season is upon us, and one of the best ways to protect yourself, and others, is to keep your hands clean to avoid spreading germs and viruses.