If you have allergic asthma, it can be hard to avoid your triggers while you’re traveling. However, there are several steps you can take to ensure you’re prepared and can avoid an allergic asthma attack.
If you live with allergic asthma, your symptoms are triggered by common allergens. Everyone has different triggers, but common ones include:
- dust mites
- mold spores
- pet dander
- tobacco smoke
- pollen
Actively avoiding your triggers can help reduce your risk of an asthma attack. But when you’re traveling, it’s hard to know what triggers might pop up during your trip.
As new environments can be unpredictable, it’s important to be prepared. The following simple steps can help you enjoy your vacation while avoiding an allergic asthma attack.
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The best way to stay healthy on your trip is to be as healthy and well prepared as possible before you go.
Consider if you’re more likely to encounter certain triggers if you journey to certain places. You may want to choose your destination with your triggers in mind.
If mold spores trigger your symptoms, avoiding vacationing in damp, rainy regions and staying away from older, potentially musty buildings is likely beneficial.
If air pollution stimulates your symptoms, limiting your travels to major urban areas where air quality is generally lower is likely a good plan. You may also want to avoid regions with high pollen counts in the spring and fall.
Being strategic about your destination can boost your health and happiness during your trip.
Before you leave, consider scheduling a checkup with a doctor. They’ll be able to refill prescriptions and review travel-related risks. They can also recommend and likely give you any immunizations you need, such as the flu shot or pneumonia vaccine.
A doctor can also provide a letter explaining your condition and include medications or devices you may need in case of a medical emergency.
If you haven’t yet, you may want to consider working with a doctor to develop an allergic asthma action plan. Here’s an example of an action plan the American Lung Association created.
If you’re traveling by plane, train, or bus, checking out the travel company’s allergy policies before departing is helpful. Questions to consider asking can include:
- Are animals permitted onboard? If so, may I be seated several rows away?
- Are allergy-safe meals provided? If not, may I bring my own food?
- May I preboard to wipe down my seating area?
- Is smoking allowed? Is there a nonsmoking section available to book?
Dedicating a few minutes to researching allergy policies can make all the difference when it comes to having a safe, comfortable trip.
Keeping your allergic asthma medications and devices with you at all times is vital. That means packing your supplies in your carry-on luggage and keeping them on hand for the entirety of your trip.
Checked luggage can be lost, damaged, or stolen. Depending on your destination, it may be hard to find the right replacement medications.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) lists information on traveling abroad with medication and how to ensure it is legally permitted at your destination.
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Be sure to pack any asthma devices that you use, such as a peak flow meter. If you use an electric nebulizer to manage allergic asthma, find out if you need an adapter for foreign electrical outlets. All your devices should be packed in your carry-on luggage, too.
When booking your accommodations, consider opting for rooms with hardwood floors instead of carpet. It can also be helpful to request a nonsmoking, pet-free room. This will help you avoid tobacco residue and pet dander. If your hotel can’t guarantee a smoke-free and pet-free room, consider staying elsewhere.
It is important to find the closest hospital to where you’ll be staying and figure out how you can get there in an emergency. Different countries use different numbers to call for an ambulance. Here are some examples of national emergency numbers:
- United States and Canada, call 911
- European Union, call 112
- United Kingdom, call 999 or 112
- Australia, call 000
- New Zealand, call 111
Not all countries have well-developed emergency response systems. It’s important to know the best way for you to get help quickly if you need it.
Learning how to care for yourself during an asthma attack could save your life. Remember these basic steps if you’re having an asthma attack:
- Use your rescue medication right away.
- If your medication doesn’t seem to be working, get emergency medical help.
- Let someone know what’s happening and ask them to stay with you.
- Stay in an upright position. Do not lie down.
- Try to stay calm; panicking may worsen symptoms.
- Try to take slow, steady breaths.
If symptoms persist or worsen, continue to take your rescue medication per your doctor’s directions for use in an emergency while you wait for medical help.
Do not hesitate to get emergency medical help for asthma symptoms. Asthma attacks can worsen suddenly and unexpectedly.
If you’re staying in a hotel, consider bringing dust mite-proof pillow and bedding encasements. These encasements can help reduce your risk of exposure to allergens.
Encasements are affordable online or from your local big box store. They pack flat, so they won’t take up too much space in your luggage.
If you have a food allergy, ensure airline snacks, restaurant meals, or meals prepared by family or friends are safe for you. If you’re unsure, ask about the ingredients used and how the food was prepared.
Online restaurant review sites can make it easy to look at menus ahead of time. Consider calling restaurants to make sure they can prepare allergy-safe food for you.
Many airlines, trains, and cruise ships can accommodate special dietary needs. Let the travel company know about your allergies in advance.
Many symptoms people with allergic asthma experience are triggered by low air quality and air pollution. Take this into account in your planning.
When you arrive at your destination, check the air quality in the morning. This can help you prepare for your day if the air quality isn’t ideal. Many weather apps and websites include daily air quality reports.
Allergic asthma doesn’t have to interfere with your everyday life — or a much-needed vacation. Take the time to check in with a doctor before you go. With good preparation and an allergist-approved packing list, you can have healthy and relaxing travels.