Tags: Travel tips

Traveling with asthma

By Judy McEuen
Travel Writer
Troy Media

Judy McEuen

SAN FRANCISCO, CA, May 13, 2010/ Troy Media/ — Traveling can be quite challenging if you have asthma, which can be easily get triggered when on the road or in a new environment. This makes traveling a little daunting for individuals suffering from this condition.

But, if you love to travel, you should not allow asthma to stop you from experiencing the joys of traveling. There are measures you can use to help put your asthma under control when traveling.

Avoid traveling when your asthma is flaring up. It’s never a good idea for anyone to go on a trip when they are ill, more so if you already have a pre-existing medical condition such as asthma. Consult with your doctor a few days before your scheduled trip to ensure that you are in a good shape.

Keep doctor informed

Inform your physician that you will be going on a trip. It is also important to inform him or her of your destination so that you can both anticipate possible asthma triggers in the place where you are going. Researching your destination in advance will help you and your doctor identify possible triggers that you may encounter there. Also, ask you doctor if s/he can prescribe medications that will give you better protection from asthma triggers while you are traveling.

You also want to inform your doctor in advance if you are planning on engaging in some physical activities such as bungee jumping, running a marathon, mountain climbing and the like. Your doctor can give you sound advice on the appropriateness of these activities on your asthma or suggest precautions to keep you in shape for these activities.

A medical certification with a list of all your medication and their generic names will also come handy in different instances. Airport security may require such certification if you are carrying a certain amount of medication with you.

The generic names will make buying such medications in a foreign country a lot easier because they are recognized in all jurisdictions. Make sure to carry your medical certification with you when you are out and about so that, in case of emergency, paramedics or physicians taking care of you will be apprised of your condition and the medicines you are taking.

Packing medications

Pack sufficient medication and some extra if possible. Bring both your rescue and controller medications and place them in your carry-on baggage. Make sure to always bring them with you wherever you go. As all asthma sufferers know, attacks can take you by surprise, so you can’t afford to be complacent with where you store your medications. Keep them within reach at all time.

Consider your asthma triggers when booking for transportation, lodging or dining. Always choose to be seated in a no smoking area. If you will be taking an airplane, a bus or a train ride, always inquire for availability of no-smoking areas before booking a ticket.

Also, if animal hair is a trigger, ensure that you will be staying in an area that does not allow pets.  Other measures should also be employed to avoid direct exposure to your asthma triggers. 

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