Is there anywhere I should avoid going on holiday
because I have asthma?
It is very important to consider your individual asthma
when planning an holiday destination. Asthma is very variable from one person
to another. Consider your particular triggers and try to avoid them. For
example, a camping trip in the height of the pollen season is probably not
the best option if pollen triggers your symptoms! You can find out more
about asthma triggers in Getting to
Know Your Triggers.
What preparations should I make before my
holiday?
Planning in advance is essential to help you deal with any
problems associated with your asthma. The last thing you want is to be worried;
prepare so that you can relax and enjoy your well earned rest! The following
are checklists for you to consider before any trip, whether it is a weekend
in Paris or a year backpacking around Australia.
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Flight
(a) Check with the airline before your flight that
it is non-smoking. If not, insist that you must be seated a long way
from the smoking section. If your seat number is not pre-allocated,
check in early on the day so that you have a better choice.
(b) Do not pack your medications in your suitcase. Always keep them
in your hand luggage in case your baggage is delayed or lost. Although
the aerosol inhalers are pressurised they are suitable for cabin baggage
and allowed through customs.
(c) If you use a nebuliser, check in advance as some airlines carry
their own. Other airlines may be difficult about you using your own.
(d) Ensure the airline know in advance if you have any food allergies.
Confirm this has been noted when you check-in for the flight.
(e) Make sure the cabin staff are aware if your symptoms are triggered
by perfumes so they are not sprayed near you. |
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Holiday Destination
(a) If your asthma is affected by environmental factors
such as pollen, pollution or certain types of weather, check in advance
the prevalence of these triggers at the time of year you will be holidaying
there.
(b) If you are planning a cruise, check up on the level of medical
care available in advance.
(c) Think carefully if you are planning a skiing holiday if your asthma
is triggered by cold air combined with exercise.
(d) Camping is great fun, but can bring you close to pollens, dust
from crops and animals. Beware the smoke from the camp fire and cold,
damp misty mornings!
(e) If you are camping, make sure your bedding is well aired each
day and use a tent with a sewn in ground sheet.
(f) Even though hotels, guest houses etc. are quick to ensure their
accommodation is ideal with, for example, no smoking or pets, this
is not always true. If you use barriers for bedding, try to take them
with you - every little helps!
(g) If you are thinking of scuba diving on your trip, check in advance
with your travel agents that their are no restrictions on this at
your chosen destination. Some countries do not allow people with asthma
to participate in this sport. |
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Medical Cover
(a) Always look into medical insurance if you are
travelling abroad and shop around for the best policy.
(b) If you take out a policy, make sure it covers asthma. Check out
all the small print just in case it is excluded. |
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Medication
(a) Work out exactly how much of each of your medications
you will need. Always take enough for some extra days. Don't forget
to include those medications you do not use every day.
(b) Take a spare inhaler of each one you use and keep it in a safe
place in case of loss.
(c) Always visit your doctor in plenty time before you go away. Discuss
any concerns you have about the trip and make sure you have a good
management plan so that you know what to do if your asthma gets worse.
Your doctor may recommend you take a peak flow meter with you and
some steroid tablets with instructions on when to take them in case
your asthma worsens.
(d) If you use a spacer with your inhaler at home, don't be tempted
to go without it just because it seems an unnecessary inconvenience!
If you only use it for medication morning and evening you will only
need to keep it where you are staying. If you need it in the day,
you can always get a smaller spacer to keep with you when you are
out and about.
(e) It is a very good idea to take an aerosol reliever and a spacer,
even if you do not normally use either. This can be life saving if
you have an asthma attack, when it can be difficult to use an inhaler
on its own. See Inhalers or
Tablets? for more information on spacers.
(f) If you have more severe asthma you may need to take a nebuliser
with you. You can get lighter more portable units now. Some have batteries
to operate them or a connector to plug them into the cigarette lighter
of your car. Do check before your holiday that the nebuliser you are
taking is compatible with the voltage output of your holiday destination.
Some models have a transformer to enable effective running of the
unit anywhere in the world. Other models may not work so efficiently
if the voltages are not close.
(g) Some of the medicine in powder inhalers may become clogged up
in humid conditions. Check with your doctor or nurse about the one(s)
you are using before you go. If this might be a problem, you can always
change to a different inhaler before your trip.
(h) Ensure the medications you use can be obtained through a doctor
at your destination if needed. |
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Help in an Emergency
(a) Enquire in advance about the nearest place of
medical help at your holiday destination. Check out on arrival:
i. Location of the nearest telephone - with translator if needed!
ii. Phone numbers of local doctors and ambulance and hours they work.
iii. Location of the closest casualty department.
(b) Take your spacer and reliever and/or nebuliser with you when you
are out on day trips and visits whilst on holiday.
(c) Make sure that someone travelling with you or at your destination
knows you have asthma and what to do if you have an attack.
(d) Have your emergency medical pack handy; this should contain:
i. Immediate reliever medication, preferably an aerosol type.
ii. Spacer or failing that a plastic or foam coffee cup.
iii. Steroid tablets.
iv. Your personal emergency plan agreed with your doctor. Keep a written
copy with your medical pack. |
Where can I get information in advance?
There are a number of sources of information including:
(1) Your travel agent.
(2) Call the Health Literature Hotline (UK) on 0800 555 777 to obtain your
free copy of 'Health Advice for Travellers' - a booklet with excellent advice
and information for travelling abroad.
Are there any organised holidays for children
with asthma?
The National Asthma Campaign UK is involved in a joint holiday
project with the National Eczema Society. This is for children and young
people with asthma or eczema or both. The holidays enable them to take part
in a huge variety of activities with a group of qualified health professionals
on hand in case of any problems. |
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