Travel

Dehydration during travel and jetlag

There are a variety of situations where travellers may be exposed to dehydration. The most common of these will be 'Travellers Diarrhoea' which is a clinical syndrome resulting from microbial contamination of ingested food and water. It most commonly effects people travelling from an area of more highly developed hygiene and sanitation infrastructure to a less developed one. (3) Keeping well hydrated during this condition is essential and complimenting fluid intake with Hydralyte will help replace lost electrolytes and speed recovery.  Refer to pack for directions.

Have you ever experienced any of the following symptoms during aeroplane flights or travel in air-conditioned buses and trains?

  • dry skin and eyes
  • dry mouth and increased thirst
  • tiredness or lethargy
  • headache

These symptoms are commonly caused by dehydration, resulting from the dry air conditions of modern transport.

Elevated levels of water, and sometimes electrolytes, are lost through the skin, eyes, nose and breath.

Consumption of strong alcohol and caffeinated beverages during travel can also contribute to the dehydration process and where practical, quantities should be limited. Hydralyte can help to counter the possible dehydration effects.

Dehydration, jet lag and deep vein thrombosis have been identified as the common health risks in long haul travel (1).

Jetlag is the condition resulting from travel across east-west time zones, where the body is disoriented from its normal day-night rhythms. Symptoms of jetlag include fatigue, nausea, disorientation and irritability.

While there is presently no single therapy with good effectiveness in treating jetlag, keeping well hydrated is part of the portfolio of coping strategies.

Suggested Dosage

Consuming 200 ml volumes of Hydralyte every 3 – 5 hours can help counter travel dehydration. In addition, Hydralyte will help to retain fluids in the body, reducing those inconvenient trips to the toilet. This is useful when the traveller wishes to sleep! (Occasional walking around the cabin is not discouraged however).

Hydralyte powder sachets and effervescent tablets are very convenient during travel, as they can be easily carried in a small bag or purse.

Do not exceed the following maximum daily doses, except under medical advice.

  • Children 10 – 13 years: Take up to 4 x 200 ml doses daily for up to 3 days, or as directed by your healthcare professional
  • 13 years to Adult: Take up to 7 x 200 ml doses daily for up to 3 days, or as directed by your healthcare professional.

Travelling in hot and humid climates may also cause dehydration if not aclimatised to the environment.  Refer to the Hydralyte page on "How to manage dehydration due to hot or dry condition" for further information.

Warnings

Hydralyte contains approximately 0.8 mg/ml Potassium. If you have kidney disease or are taking heart or blood pressure medicines – consult your doctor or pharmacist before use. Hydralyte contains Sodium. Check actual packaging for content.

References

  1. Health. Nov 2007. San Francisco. “How to Fly Right”. Volume 21: (9):145
  2. Waterhouse J, Reilly T, Atkinson G and Edwards B. 2007. Jet Lag: trends and coping strategies. The Lancet 369: 1117 - 1129.
  3. www.medic8.com/travel/travellers-diarrhoea.