|
Travel
People with asthma can travel happily and safely, but they may need to do some advance work. Here are some wise preparations:
-
Get a physical: If your doctor has not examined you in a while, this is the time. Even if you don't need an exam, talk to your doctor or allergist if you are planning a long trip or if you have specific concerns about your asthma. Discuss with your doctor what you should do in case of an emergency, and take his or her phone number for emergency contact.
-
Stock up on medications: Make sure that you have more than enough of each medicine, and keep them within reach at all times. If you have an attack on an airplane, whatever has been checked in won't help you. Pack your devices, your diary, and your asthma action plan. Continue to maintain your daily asthma diary as much as possible.
-
Take a buddy: If possible, travel with someone who knows what to do to help you.
-
Plan for allergy injections: If you receive allergy shots, contact your allergist to determine if the length of time you will be away is a problem with your injection schedule. Remember, if you want to receive these injections while on vacation, you will need to arrange to have them given at a physician's office that can treat you if you have a reaction. Allergy shots should never be self-administered or administered without proper medical supervision.
-
Check out medical care: Make sure your insurance will cover you where you'll be staying. Know where the hospitals are and what the emergency numbers and procedures are, just in case. Larger, reputable cruise lines typically have some medical facilities on the ship, but what if you need more care than they offer? In developing countries, especially, know where to find good medical care.
Beyond the medical preparations, here are some practical considerations to keep in mind:
- Are your hosts smokers? Do they have pets? How can you reduce your exposure to triggers?
- If you expect to try any physical activities you're not used to--mountain climbing or scuba diving, for example--be aware of the possibility of exercise-induced asthma. Build up gradually, and have a buddy with you.
- Talk to the chef. If you have a food allergy, it may be impossible to be absolutely sure that you are steering clear of triggers, but you can improve your chances by letting whoever is preparing the food--airline, cruise ship, hotel, restaurant, family member, or friend--know about your allergies as far in advance as possible. Keep your epipen with you at all times if your doctor has prescribed this for you.
- How polluted is your destination? Is smoking restricted in hotel rooms or restaurants? Will your nebulizer work on the voltage in that country?
- Some international flights are smoking flights, and if you have to take one, try to get seated as far away from the smoking section as possible. If you are renting a car, try to get a late-model, non-smoking car, and, if you are traveling through an area with pollen and molds, close the windows.
|
