Traveling with allergies or asthma can be tricky. Usually, heading to a new area is a perfect way to set off an allergy attack! So how do you avoid being sniffly and sneezy on your vacation? How do you keep your asthma in check?
Plan Ahead!
- Talk to your doctor before you travel if your symptoms are not under control.
- Ask your doctor for the name of an allergist or immunologist in the area where you will be vacationing, in case of emergency.
- Know where the hospital and/or urgent care centers are in the area where you will be vacationing.
- Be sure you have enough of any prescription medicines, emergency medicines, and other medical supplies you will need while on vacation.
Careful Packing!
- If you will be traveling by airplane, keep your medicine in your purse or carry-on bag. If your checked luggage gets lost, you will still have your medicine with you. It is far easier to replace lost clothing than a prescription you need to stay feeling your best!
- Store your medicines in their original containers so you have all your prescription information handy. Should you need an emergency refill away from home, the pharmacy you visit will need information about your doctor, your pharmacy, and your dosage.
- Will you be continuing allergy shots while on vacation? Make sure your allergy serums are clearly labeled with your name. Keep your serums refrigerated at all times!
- Don’t forget to pack any testing supplies you may need for your asthma, like a peak flow meter.
- Be sure to pack any emergency medications you may need — an inhaler in case of asthma attack or an epinephrine shot if you have life threatening allergies.
- Pack extra medications if you can, just in case you get stranded away from home for longer than expected.
Not every vacation goes off exactly as planned. Your flights may get delayed, your destination may experience bad weather, your car may break down in a strange town. Planning ahead for your allergy and asthma needs can help prevent an emergency that would turn a vacation into a disaster.