When you are on vacation, you want to think as little as possible about your asthma so you can have fun. The best way to do this is to plan ahead.
These tips can help you stay healthy — and make this trip your best one yet!
Before you even begin packing, make sure your asthma is well controlled. If your asthma has been flaring up, check with your doctor. He or she may need to adjust your medicine or ask you to come in for a visit.
Be sure to:
Asthma triggers can be anywhere. Before you even make it to your destination, you might run into some. For example, trains, buses, and even your family car can have dust mites and mold trapped in the seats, carpets, or ventilation system.
Air travel also can have its risks. The air on planes is very dry, which can trigger an asthma flare-up. Make sure you have your quick-relief inhaler handy and try to drink a lot of water.
Smoking is banned on all commercial U.S. airlines, and also on foreign airline flights into and out of the United States. But smoking is still permitted by law on charter flights. If you're on a charter flight, find out about their smoking policy. Ask to be seated in the non-smoking section.
If you're staying in a hotel, you may find that something in the room triggers your asthma. Here are some tips that can help:
If you're staying with family or friends, tell them in advance about your triggers. They won't be able to clear away all dust mites or mold, but they can dust and vacuum, especially in the room you'll sleep in. You also can ask them to avoid using scented candles, potpourri, or aerosol products, if those bother you.
Just like at home, you'll want to avoid smoke. Ask anyone who smokes to step outside, especially if you're sharing a room. Wood fires in the fireplace or woodstove also could be a problem for you.
Without your parents along, you will have more responsibility for managing your asthma. Keep your triggers in mind and try to avoid them.
If pollen bothers you, find out what the readings are on days you'll be outdoors. If air pollution is a trigger, keep that in mind when you visit a smoggy city. You can check air quality anywhere in the United States by visiting the AIRnow website.
If you're planning to take part in any new activities while you're away, talk to your doctor about them before you leave. And always keep your quick-relief medicine with you in case you need it.
Reviewed by: Elana Pearl Ben-Joseph, MD
Date Reviewed: May 1, 2017