Travel Requires Special Planning for Those with Allergy Induced Asthma

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June 29, 2012

Middletown, NY – Now that school has ended and summer has started, peak travel season is here. Every trip requires some degree of planning, and preparations are even more important when traveling with any health condition. The board certified specialists at Hudson Valley Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT) have created a checklist for their patients with allergy-induced asthma to help them plan ahead, pack smart, and travel wisely for easy breathing while away from home.

“Common allergens that trigger asthma, such as dust mites, pollen, and air pollutants, are likely to be encountered anywhere that our patients travel,” says Virginia Feldman, MD, an allergy specialist at Hudson Valley ENT. “Additionally, travelers need to consider how and where they are traveling so that they can prepare for their trip accordingly. Our 10-point checklist not only helps patients pack what they need but also helps them pay extra attention whenever they travel.”

1. Schedule an appointment with the allergist to make sure asthma is well-controlled with controller medications before leaving. Relying only on rescue medications to treat symptoms can be risky.
2. Put together a kit of all medications and equipment, an epipen if you have one, health insurance information, a treatment plan in case of an attack, a doctor’s letter regarding medications, and the allergist’s phone number, and keep the kit handy at all times when traveling. When traveling abroad, include the generic names of medications in case a prescription has to be refilled.
3. Bring a hypoallergenic pillow case or a pillow from home if possible.
4. Run a car air conditioner for 10 minutes before starting travel to help clear the air of pollen, dust, and dust mites and travel with the air conditioner running rather than opening car windows. When renting a car, request one that has been smoke-free.
5. Drink plenty of water, especially in dry climates and when flying.
6. Ask questions ahead of time of hotels and hosts. Find out if any rooms have been allergy-proofed and request a room that has been pet- and smoke-free. Ask friends and relatives to air out, dust, and vacuum rooms thoroughly to reduce asthma triggers.
7. Tell hotels, hosts, and others in advance how they can help in case of an emergency.
8. Plan walking, hiking, and camping trips only when air pollution and pollen counts are low. Remember to bring your rescue inhaler with you.
9. Warm up before beginning any physical activity or exercise, taking medication beforehand as prescribed by an allergist.
10. Wash clothing if possible after exposure to asthma triggers and allergens.

“People with asthma have every right to enjoy travel, and planning ahead can keep trips safe,” says Dr. Feldman.

Hudson Valley Ear, Nose & Throat, P.C. is located at 75 Crystal Run Road, Building B, Suite 220, Middletown, NY. For more information, please call 1.888.350.1368 (ENT).