Travel and Asthma

You will be better prepared for such problems if you see your doctor to develop a management plan for your holiday. He may advise you to carry a supply of oral steroid tablets just in case your asthma gets worse while you are away.

It is wise to take extra medication with you, especially if you are traveling to isolated spots or to another country where asthma drugs or medical assistance may not be easy to access. It is also wise to carry it with you as hand luggage because sometimes luggage can be misplaced.

Remember to take your Asthma Management Plan and follow it if necessary. Your Asthma Management Plan involves knowing in advance how to modify your medication if asthma symptoms flare up. A list of your medications may also be included with your plan and a list of the generic name of any drugs you are allergic to. This will avoid you being accidentally prescribed something that will set off your asthma if you get sick with another complaint.

Find out what sort of weather you are likely to experience at your travel destination. If you are planning a holiday in the tropics yet having a hot steamy shower gives you asthma then perhaps you should think of somewhere a little less humid and warm. Also think about the activities you are planning. Have any of them given you asthma problems before?

If you are travelling outside of your country, find out the names of your medication at your destination. Ask your doctor for a letter stating that you have asthma and the medications you are carrying with you are for personal use and you need them with you in case of emergency. While a doctor's letter might help with the airlines and customs, it is not guaranteed. So check the rules of the airline and the country you are visiting about carrying your medication first.

If you are planning to fly check with the airline to see if they carry a nebuliser. It is worth checking this out before going. If you take your own nebuliser you might also need a power adapter. Check your insurance policy to ensure that it covers asthma as some do not.

Spinhalers and Rotahalers may not work well in hot and humid climates, so a replacement may be needed.

When you get to the destination, find out how and where you can get emergency treatment if you need it. Make a note of the telephone number of the nearest doctor or ambulance.

Travel with Asthma Checklist:

1. ___ Visit your doctor before your departure to ensure your asthma is under control
2. ___ Ask your doctor to provide you with a letter outlining the history and severity of your asthma and your treatment
3. ___ Check that any medical insurance you take out will specifically cover your asthma (ask your travel agent for advice)
4. ___ Where possible, take all the medication you will require, as well as some extra, with you
5. ___ Ensure that your medication is carried in your hand luggage and spare supplies in your suitcase
6. ___ If you normally use a nebuliser, check that there are appropriate power outlets where you are going. You may need to obtain a power point adaptor, or consider using another delivery system such as a spacer - also ensure that the nebuliser can be used on the plane (contact the airline).
7. ___ Asthma sufferers should avoid scuba diving
8. ___ Warn airlines or resorts of any food hypersensitivities or intolerances well ahead of departure