Are You Traveling This Winter? Get Tips for Traveling with Asthma

The holidays are approach and for many people, this means travel is on its way. It can be stressful enough to travel anyway, but when you or your child has asthma, it can be even more stressful. Before you take off, be sure to visit with Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology Medical Group so you have the right tools, medications, and resources to get through your trip. Read on to get some more tips on traveling with asthma.

Don’t forget to take your daily medication

Assuming you’re working with an asthma specialist, it’s likely that you have daily controller medications. It can be very easy to get out of the habit of taking these. While many people take them every morning or even when they’re at home, traveling puts an end to routines and can result in missed medications. Don’t let this happen. Set a reminder on your phone if you have to.

Wash your hands and try not to touch your face

Planes, buses, taxis, and other commuting vehicles can be full of germs and those germs can aggravate your asthma. Avoid this by washing your hands regularly. Avoid touching your face too. If you follow both of those tips, then you’ll be going a long way toward avoiding the illnesses that can wreak havoc on your asthma.

Plan ahead

If you’re flying, make sure you check with the airport you’re flying into that you can take your mediations and equipment. Then check the airport you’ll be flying back through. There shouldn’t be any issue with you having the things you need, but you do want to make sure that you have the appropriate paperwork to avoid trouble. For example, you may need written prescriptions if you transport your medications in anything other than the pill bottle the pharmacist gave you.

Don’t leave your rescue medications behind

If your asthma has seemed to be fairly under control recently, don’t be surprised if it flairs up over the holidays. Stress can affect our overall health and certainly our response to asthma triggers. If you have a nebulizer, think about getting a portable one that comes with rechargeable batteries. This will help you in the event you need emergency help.

Find out if the hotel you’re staying in offers accommodations

Some larger hotel chains offer asthma friendly rooms. If you can’t find a hotel that does this – or they’re out of your price range – consider bringing your own blankets, pillows, pillow covers, etc. If you need to know what type and size of bed you’ll have, just call the hotel you’ve booked with. Being overprepared is better than being underprepared.

Get your flu shot before you go

At Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology Medical Group, we provide a number of services, including flu shots. Make sure you get one every year but especially before you travel. With the stress of traveling, your immune system won’t be at its best. A flu shot gives you extra protection against getting sick. To schedule an appointment or to learn more about our services, reach out to Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology Medical Group at 805-658-9500 today.