Chronic digestive disorders such as GERD and inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are common conditions with which some of us must live and develop our lives. Symptoms can include bloating, diarrhea, gas, stomach pain and cramps, and medication and lifestyles can be combined treatment.

During the holidays, stress and changes to your routine can make the symptoms worse than usual. This is the time to call your GI doctors in OKC and make proper plans, so you can take steps to minimize symptoms and enjoy a comfortable vacation.

Mental Preparation

Just like you arrange all your journeys in advance, it is also good to prepare your mind in advance if you have a chronic digestive disorder. Run all possible scenarios in your head before your vacation begins. This mental readiness puts you in the right position to manage your journey well. You are more likely to keep calm and be ready if any of the scenarios emerge.

Plan Accordingly

Try your best to travel in a stable state, first and foremost. If you can not plan your journey that way, then you can travel on a route that you know. You will save time and avoid unnecessary discomfort or gastric distress by learning about the stops and medical facilities and proper food on your way.

Pack Carefully

Ensure that you take all the medicines you need to treat every inconvenience you might experience during your vacation. Pack them together with the following in your luggage:

• Stomach-friendly food

• Fresh water

• Extra pair of clothes and undergarments

• Sanitizing wipes

• Proper products to handle incontinence

Medicines

It is important that you have enough medications to see your digestive system throughout the parties and gatherings if you frequently travel during the summer. Make sure you have them in their original bottles, your prescription and medicines to prevent confusion or safety concerns. You can discuss with your GI doctors in OKC about extending the prescription if you travel to a place where you can not easily refill your medication. Allow sufficient time to make the refill at the pharmacy ready for your vacation. If you have not seen your GI doctors in OKC in a certain amount of time, they may need to see you before they extend your prescription, so plan for these situations well in advance.

Diet Planning

Reduce the consumption of FODMAP, basically sugar alcohols, a short-chain collection of carbohydrates found in many common foodstuff. The volume of liquid and gas in the small and larger intestines is known to increase causing abdominal pain, gas, flushing, constipation, and diarrhea in response to eating these. Keep foods that are low in FODMAP while on vacation and avoid fast food.

Increase Water Intake

Traveling, especially in an aircraft, poses a dehydration risk that can lead to constipation. Make sure that you regularly drink water during the flight and your vacation time. Likewise, you need to fill up the lost fluids of the body with enough water if you have diarrhea.

Get Enough Rest

You may need to travel, work hours in the kitchen, or deal with stresses that you have not experienced in some time when you travel with your family. Do not do more than you could handle. It's all right to take a break and don't worry if you need help. You can also use any methods that you've found, such as deep breathing, meditation, yoga, or warm baths, to help keep your stress down, and to make sure you get enough sleep.

Know Your Healthcare Option

In case of an emergency, ensure that you know the local health options during the vacation. Consider bringing your regular doctor’s contact information.

Before your trip, you can visit your GI doctors in OKC for a checkup and prevention tips. Digestive Disease Specialists, Inc. is one of the reliable institutes to treat digestive problems in Oklahoma. Come to us and be ready for your vacation.

** Disclaimer: The article above implies no medical advice; it constitutes no terms between patient and doctor.