International
travelers may be subject to certain stresses that may lower resistance
to disease, such as crowding, disruption of usual eating and drinking
habits, and time changes with “jet lag” contributing
to a disturbed pattern of the sleep and wakefulness cycle. These
conditions of stress can lead to nausea, indigestion, fatigue,
or insomnia. Complete adaptation depends on the number of time
zones crossed but may take a week or more.
Heat
and cold can be directly or indirectly responsible for some diseases
and can give rise to serious skin conditions. Dermatophytoses
such as athlete's foot are often made worse by warm, humid conditions.
Excessive
heat and humidity alone, or immoderate activity under those conditions,
may lead to heat exhaustion due to salt and water deficiency and
to the more serious heat stroke or hyperthermia. The ultraviolet
rays of the sun can cause severe and very debilitating sunburn
in lighter-skinned persons.
Excessive
cold affects persons who may be inadequately dressed and particularly
the elderly; it can lead to hypothermia and to frost-bite of exposed
parts of the body.
Breathing
and swallowing dust when traveling on unpaved roads or in arid
areas may be followed by nausea and malaise, and may cause increased
susceptibility to infections of the upper respiratory tract.
Traveling
in high altitudes may lead to insomnia, headache, nausea, and
altitude sickness, even in young and healthy persons, and can
cause distress to those with cardiac or pulmonary conditions.
Individual susceptibility to acute mountain sickness is highly
variable. Travelers who are at greatest risk are those who ascend
rapidly to tourist sites in the Andes and the Himalayas. Acetazolamide
has been shown, under both simulated and actual climbing conditions,
to hasten the process of acclimatization to high altitudes. The
recommended dosage to prevent acute mountain sickness is 250 mg
every 8–12 hours, with medication initiated 24–48 hours
before, and continued during ascent. Acetazolamide should not
be taken by individuals who are allergic to sulfonamides.
Reference:
CDC Health Information for International Travel
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