Here's a travel health tip that might surprise you – inhaled isopropyl alcohol could be your go-to solution for treating nausea and vomiting, especially if you're in a pinch, like while on a flight.
So, for starters, I am not telling anyone out there to start huffing Isopropyl Alcohol (IA) regularly. This may be, in fact, a terrible idea. According to the New York City Poison Control Center: "Inhaling Isopropyl Alcohol can irritate the nose and throat. Repeated high exposure can cause headaches, dizziness, confusion, loss of coordination, unconsciousness, and even death." That said, I would like to bring attention to two trials that were done around 2017 involving just over 200 nonpregnant adults, male and female, that showed that inhaling isopropyl alcohol, yes, the kind you find in those handy pads included in your JetSet kit, actually improved mild to moderate nausea and vomiting. Study showed the following: after just 30 minutes, on average, the nausea score went from 50 out of 100 to a much more manageable 20 with inhaled isopropyl alcohol, compared to 40 with oral ondansetron. Which is considered by most to be the industry standard.
Now, the evidence suggests that inhaled isopropyl alcohol can be a game-changer. One study even reported no adverse events. The second study did not comment on adverse events. Although, it should be noted that the number of patients in this study was relatively small.
Here is how they carried out the experiment in this study: Patients inhaled deeply as needed to find relief from commercially available isopropyl alcohol pads held 1 to 2 cm below the nose. They were then asked to complete a survey to rate their nausea on a scale of 1-100. They then plotted this data vs placebo and found the effect and results statistically significant.
Why consider this? Well, treating nausea and vomiting while on the move, especially in close quarters, can be tricky. Inhaled isopropyl alcohol provides a quick effect within 2-4 minutes post-inhalation, and multiple pads can be used for continued, short-lasting nausea relief.
Remember, if you're facing nausea, it's always best to consult with healthcare professionals for personalized advice. Stay well, and if you're on the move, maybe consider having your JetSet Meds handy – because health is the ultimate luxury. Take care of yourself, and Travel Well.