10 things to keep in mind while travelling with Asthma
World Asthma Day is an annual event organized by the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) to improve asthma awareness and care around the world. The aim of the day is raising awareness of asthma and how it affects sufferers. The day falls on the first Tuesday in May each year and aims to raise support for sufferers and their families. World Asthma Day 2020 is on May 5. World Asthma Day was launched in conjunction with the first World Asthma Meeting in Barcelona, and has grown to become the biggest international asthma event.
Though going on a trip needs a lot of planning and packing, but when it comes to asthmatics, the things get complicated to a whole new level. From dust to climate change, anything could trigger your symptoms and spoil the trip. Don’t worry, we got your back. Here's what Dr Avi Kumar, Consultant, Pulmonologist, at Fortis Escort Heart Institute has to say:
10 things that could help you prevent and prepare for anything and everything that could go wrong:
Before going on the trip:
Get thoroughly examined: Before leaving for your trip, visit your asthma doctor and get yourself properly examined. Get a green light from your doctor. He might also suggest you some tests and vaccines that you could take before leaving.
Asthma emergency kit: Talk to your doctor and prepare a kit with all the required medicines and inhaler. Do carry your updated asthma action plan with you everywhere.
Continue your regular medications: Without consulting the doctor it is not advisable to dis-continue or stop any medicines.
Yearly Flu Vaccines are a must: Please ensure that you have had your flu vaccines taken before starting your trip.
Research: Do a proper research of the place you are visiting. Check the weather forecast, climate, nearest medical services etc. Also, make a plan of how you are going to travel on your tour. Do a personal research of what could trigger the symptoms, if you haven't already done that. Talk to the doctor and look for the potential triggers as well.
Accommodation: It is another very important factor to consider. Do a proper research before choosing your hotel. Make sure your hotel does not allow any pets, as many asthmatics are allergic to animal hair. Also, get a non-smoking room, if you can't find an entirely non-smoking hotel at the location. It is highly recommendable to call the hotel and informing about your condition before arriving so that they can clean your room accordingly.
Travel insurance: In case you are traveling oversees or interstate, getting travel insurance is a very good idea. Compare different policies and decide which one among them suits your requirement.
On the trip:
Masks or scarf: Breathing through a mask and scarf will help you in the areas with high pollen or pollution level.
Restaurants: Some asthmatics are allergic to certain food items. Check the restaurants online and see which restaurant suits you. If you do not have time for that, check the menu carefully, and ask about the ingredients in the dish. Pack some snacks with you, so that you can manage in the situations where you do not get suitable cuisine.
Stay away from cold, flu and allergens: Stay away from people who have cold or flu. If you catch flu or cold, it will worsen your asthma condition. Also, be careful about the things that trigger your asthma.
Smoking: Avoid smoking of any kind. Cigarettes, fireworks, candles or any other source of smoke could trigger your symptoms. Stay away from places that permit smoking.
Choose the activities wisely: While we believe it is important for you to enjoy your trip without any restrictions, you need to wisely choose the leisure activities you should participate in. Before going for any sports activity, it would be good for you to warm up. Also take your quick-relief medicine 15-20 minutes before jumping into the field.
Though going on a trip needs a lot of planning and packing, but when it comes to asthmatics, the things get complicated to a whole new level. From dust to climate change, anything could trigger your symptoms and spoil the trip. Don’t worry, we got your back. Here's what Dr Avi Kumar, Consultant, Pulmonologist, at Fortis Escort Heart Institute has to say:
10 things that could help you prevent and prepare for anything and everything that could go wrong:
Before going on the trip:
Get thoroughly examined: Before leaving for your trip, visit your asthma doctor and get yourself properly examined. Get a green light from your doctor. He might also suggest you some tests and vaccines that you could take before leaving.
Asthma emergency kit: Talk to your doctor and prepare a kit with all the required medicines and inhaler. Do carry your updated asthma action plan with you everywhere.
Continue your regular medications: Without consulting the doctor it is not advisable to dis-continue or stop any medicines.
Yearly Flu Vaccines are a must: Please ensure that you have had your flu vaccines taken before starting your trip.
Research: Do a proper research of the place you are visiting. Check the weather forecast, climate, nearest medical services etc. Also, make a plan of how you are going to travel on your tour. Do a personal research of what could trigger the symptoms, if you haven't already done that. Talk to the doctor and look for the potential triggers as well.
Accommodation: It is another very important factor to consider. Do a proper research before choosing your hotel. Make sure your hotel does not allow any pets, as many asthmatics are allergic to animal hair. Also, get a non-smoking room, if you can't find an entirely non-smoking hotel at the location. It is highly recommendable to call the hotel and informing about your condition before arriving so that they can clean your room accordingly.
Travel insurance: In case you are traveling oversees or interstate, getting travel insurance is a very good idea. Compare different policies and decide which one among them suits your requirement.
On the trip:
Masks or scarf: Breathing through a mask and scarf will help you in the areas with high pollen or pollution level.
Restaurants: Some asthmatics are allergic to certain food items. Check the restaurants online and see which restaurant suits you. If you do not have time for that, check the menu carefully, and ask about the ingredients in the dish. Pack some snacks with you, so that you can manage in the situations where you do not get suitable cuisine.
Stay away from cold, flu and allergens: Stay away from people who have cold or flu. If you catch flu or cold, it will worsen your asthma condition. Also, be careful about the things that trigger your asthma.
Smoking: Avoid smoking of any kind. Cigarettes, fireworks, candles or any other source of smoke could trigger your symptoms. Stay away from places that permit smoking.
Choose the activities wisely: While we believe it is important for you to enjoy your trip without any restrictions, you need to wisely choose the leisure activities you should participate in. Before going for any sports activity, it would be good for you to warm up. Also take your quick-relief medicine 15-20 minutes before jumping into the field.
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