Asthma is a long-term condition wherein patients suffer from inflamed airways, making breathing difficult. Asthma triggers may vary from person to person, but some common ones include dust mites, pet dander, pollen, and mold spores. It is crucial to manage asthma symptoms when traveling because it’s hard to figure out what could lead to a flare in a new environment. Find below some traveling tips to avoid trips to the emergency room.

Consider seeing your doctor before traveling
Before traveling, you should consult a doctor from a regional travel clinic or health department. If you take regular allergy shots, discuss your travel plan with your allergist. Your doctor will be able to refill your prescriptions and tell you more about travel-related risks. They will also be able to give immunization shots if required. Work out an allergic asthma action plan with your doctor. Ask them to provide you with a letter explaining your condition, prescriptions required, and devices needed in an emergency. Keep this letter with you at all times when traveling.

Be strategic about your destination
Learn about your destination beforehand. Check if medical facilities or hospitals are close by. Get information on the weather condition like smog and humidity. Asthma attacks are less likely to occur when the environment is controlled. If a significant trigger for you is pollution, avoid highly dusty places. Sometimes, musty old buildings or moldy washrooms may also trigger a flare. High-altitude destinations have less oxygen, leading to acute mountain sickness (also called high-altitude illness). However, you can limit the chance of an asthma attack by drinking plenty of water.

Choose the right mode of transport
If you are traveling in your car, you can control the air quality. Remove dust or odors from chemicals or perfumes beforehand. It is crucial not to store your asthma emergency kit in the glove box, as it may heat up or become too cold, affecting its functionality. Allergic asthmatic patients traveling to a third-world country may be exposed to excessive fumes and dust, so keep emergency phone numbers for hospitals or doctors handy. The air quality on an airplane is dry, so make sure you drink plenty of water. Keep a standby asthma kit with you in your carry-on bag in case one set gets lost.

Check allergy policies
When traveling by public transportation, like bus, plane, or train, or while booking hotel accommodation, ask about their allergy policies. Check if animals are permitted onboard; if yes, choose a seat or room several feet away. Make sure the meals served are allergy-safe. Many public means of transport offer special meals for allergic asthmatic patients. Let the travel company know your condition beforehand. It may be a good idea to bring your allergen-proof pillow and blanket. A few hotels have environmentally sensitive rooms. Call and ask for their availability. Make sure the hotel is not situated near an industrial area. Cottages, especially those closed for the winter, are typically full of mold. Request for a sunny room or accommodation away from an indoor pool or hot tub.