Living with asthma and allergies is not easy! Especially when you’re planning a trip, flying with asthma is usually not an issue, but you need to be prepared. But nothing to worry about! With proper communication and planning, you can ensure your vacation is as relaxing and safe as it could be. This checklist is all about packing the necessary things on a trip if you’re an allergic or asthma patient!
Asthma, Allergies, and Traveling!
Taking care of yourself during travel is a priority, especially when you’ve asthma and allergies. Flare-ups can occur anytime and anywhere as you’re unsure what might trigger them so make sure to carry an asthma inhaler.
But if you prepare yourself enough, there’s nothing to worry about! Enjoy your vacation by avoiding major allergic asthma attacks with these simple steps:
Come Up With a Travel Plan
Getting ready with a travel plan that works for your entire trip is essential. Talk to your allergist and work with them to discuss whether you need necessary immunizations or vaccinations. Tell them where you’re going and what kind of activities you’ll be doing.
This is necessary because places above 5,000 feet may cause breathing difficulties. Moreover, discuss with your healthcare provider if you’re going to do activities like scuba diving.
Pack Allergy and Asthma Travel Kit
Your checklist is incomplete without carrying a proper travel kit for your allergies. This travel kit includes your medications in their original packaging and prescription so that you don’t have any troubles with airport security.
If you’ve a medical identification, carry it with you. Have controller medicines and a rescue asthma inhaler.
Understand What Can Aid Your Asthma Attack
Asthma attacks can come unexpectedly. So you need to prepare yourself for the worst. But that doesn’t mean you’ve to stay in a constant state of fear. You need to choose a mid-path where you prepare yourself for anything but also don’t give yourself a scare.
Start by knowing everything about your asthma. This information ranges from what type of asthma you have to some common triggers.
Once you’re aware of these basics, here’re a few steps you should take in case you’ve an asthma attack:
- Have a rescue medication that you can use immediately
- If that’s not available, seek emergency medical help
- Inform someone what you’re dealing with and ask them to stay with you
- Don’t lie down and stay calm as panic can worsen the situation
If your attack symptoms worsen, keep taking the emergency medications as prescribed by your doctor.
Make a Meds List
Making a list of all the medicines you take lessens the probability of forgetting. This also means that you’ll have access to whatever medicines you would need whenever you want! Preparing a digital copy is also a wise decision to guarantee access.
Moreover, keep an eye out for how many medications you’ll need during the entire course of your trip. Pack enough medication that’ll last you for the whole trip. Plus, stuffing a few extra doses is not going to harm anyone! This prepares you for an extended stay.
Acquaint Yourself With the Destination
Even if you’re going to a place that won’t trigger your allergies, familiarizing yourself with the destination is essential! Check what the weather is when you’ll be reaching and keep a tab of the medical stores nearby.
Is the place going to be a no-smoking zone? Is it pet-friendly? If you’ve a dander allergy, staying in a pet-friendly hotel or the home of a family with pets is not wise. Before you book a hotel, ensure you ask these questions!
Request for an allergy-proof hotel room. However, it’s always wise to bring your own allergen-free blankets and pillows. Call the hotel prior to booking a room and ask away your doubts! Also, inform them beforehand about not allotting you damp rooms since they’re prone to dust mites and molds.
It is said that cottages contain most dust and molds if they’ve been closed for the winters. It needs to be cleaned and aired before an asthma patient arrives.
Remember, you want to be as prepared as you can! And researching the place is the best way to do that.
Conclusion
Having allergies or asthma shouldn’t interfere with your vacation! Before you catch the flight, ensure you’ve secured a doctor’s visit. And keep this checklist in mind.
Have a relaxing and healthy trip!
Author Bio: Krishma Patel is the Co-founder and the Superintendent Pharmacist at MedsNow, an online pharmacy in the UK that provides health and wellness products and treatments along with free online consultations. She is passionate about showcasing the integral function community pharmacies can play in supporting the healthcare system and the NHS by providing patients with high quality, safe and discreet access to healthcare at their convenience. Along with being the co-founder of MedsNow, Krishma is also the Director and the Superintendent Pharmacist of Enimed Ltd., an independent pharmacy group comprising 32 branches.
