Going Away for Christmas with Asthma

Christmas holiday is a season when many people travel to see family and friends, both near and far. If you’re planning to go away on a trip this Christmas, then it is important to plan ahead and be prepared for your travels. Planning what is ahead will help prevent any issues or problems with your asthma along the way and assist you to make the most of the traveling and festivities. Let’s take a look at some tips to help you stay well and prevent asthma symptoms where ever you are during the Christmas holiday season.

Tips to Help Prevent Asthma Symptoms

1. Make sure to stock up on your asthma medications. Be prepared by making sure you will have enough of your asthma medicines before you leave on your travels. It’s important to call our pharmacy ahead of time to give them adequate amount of time to prepare your medicines for you. You should keep your medicines in their original packages with the prescribing label attached. You should also leave your spare inhalers at home just in case you forget to bring your inhalers back from your trip.
2. Inform your friends and family members of your asthma triggers. If your travels include visiting friends and family, you can alert them of what triggers your asthma symptoms. If you share this information ahead of time with your family and friends, they can prepare for you before you arrive. This will also help put your mind at ease.
3. Don’t forget to prepare for an emergency. Bring your rescue inhaler medication with you and keep it with you at all times. While you are away, find out information on where you can get medical assistance in cases of emergencies. It’s also a good idea to bring with you contact details of your provider that helps manage your asthma.
4. Share your asthma action plan. If you have an asthma action plan, then you should also share it with your family and friends that you will be visiting. Share your plan with people around you in case your asthma gets worse or you experience an asthma attack. Knowing your plan will enable them to help you.
5. Continue to use your peak flow meter. If you normally use a peak flow meter, remember to bring it with you on your travels. Take it with you so you can continue to monitor your asthma symptoms while you are away from home.

If you are planning a trip during the Christmas holidays, be prepared and don’t let your asthma symptoms get in the way. Give Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology Medical Group a call at 805-658-9500 if you’d like to make an appointment with our specialists. We would be happy to help you manage your asthma and answer any questions you may have.