Asthma and travelling
Don’t be put off the idea of travelling just because you have asthma. There are a few easy precautions that you can take before you leave, and some things to keep in mind to make sure you have a healthy holiday!
See your doctor
You should consult your doctor well before you plan to depart to make sure your asthma is properly controlled and that you have a current written asthma management plan for both relief and prevention of asthma. You should also know how to cope if your asthma gets worse. Remember to take a copy of your plan with you. Also, ask your doctor for advice about the conditions that could affect your asthma and the medical facilities available at your destination.
If you are going overseas, ask your doctor to write down a list of all your medicines, including the brand and generic names (brand names can differ markedly from one country to another) and your doses. This will be handy not only if you have to see a new doctor but also when going through customs.
How will a holiday affect my asthma?
Some people find that their asthma symptoms improve when they go on holiday, usually as a result of differing asthma trigger factors. Some of these, such as household pets, are left behind when travelling. However, you could find that your asthma gets worse during a holiday. This is often the result of increased exposure to triggers or exposure to new triggers. Your asthma may be affected by the different climate, an increased pollen count, or increased exposure to farm animals or household pets. As emotions are often a trigger for asthma attacks, the over-excitement and stress sometimes experienced when travelling can be bad news for people with asthma. On the other hand, many people become less stressed while relaxing on a holiday.
Rapid changes in temperature can trigger your asthma, such as moving from an air-conditioned aeroplane to a tropical climate. Always wear appropriate clothing in cold weather, rugging up with warm jackets, gloves and a scarf to cover your nose to warm the cold air you will be breathing in.
Also keep in mind that asthma attacks often occur after a thunderstorm, when significant changes in humidity and temperature and the rain can cause grass pollen grains to rupture and release minute particles into the air that can be breathed in.
How can I stay healthy on my holiday?
Because viral infections, such as colds and influenza, are among the most common triggers of asthma attacks, you should try to avoid picking these up when travelling. Make sure you have a 'flu shot every year if you have severe asthma. Your doctor will be able to advise you whether you should have one.
When you feel a blocked nose coming on or signs of a cold or ’flu, follow your doctor’s instructions on your self-management plan regarding increasing the dose of your medicine or inhalers.
When you are away from your home you can no longer guarantee the cleanliness and fabrics of your pillows and bedding. You could take your own pillow or pillowcase with you, if practical.
You should also warn airlines or accommodation providers well in advance of your trip of any food intolerances or hypersensitivities that you have.
Remember to take adequate asthma medicine for the duration of your trip, plus some extra. It is best to pack your medicine in your carry-on luggage if flying and take extra stocks in your luggage. Take copies of your prescriptions, making sure they are written in generic names: this makes them more easily recognisable overseas as not all brand names will be available outside of Australia.
It would also be wise to take a letter from your doctor explaining the history and details of your condition in case you do get ill while away or in case there are any problems with carrying your medicine overseas. You should wear your MedicAlert bracelet, if you have one, at all times when travelling, especially in overseas destinations where English is not spoken.
It would be better to use a spacer than a nebuliser when travelling as it is cheap and very portable. If you are taking a nebuliser, remember to buy a power point adaptor suitable for your destination and to confirm that you will be able to use it on the plane. Check this with your airline well before your departure date as they may want to check your unit. A foot-powered nebuliser or one that uses a sealed, dry-cell battery are other alternatives.
Don't forget your peak flow meter, so you can monitor how well controlled your asthma is.
Make sure that if you take out travel insurance it covers your asthma.
Are there any activities I should avoid?
Sightseeing, trekking and skiing should present no problems if you normally manage to control your asthma. However, you should not scuba dive if you have asthma. Travelling to high altitudes should be fine if you can control your asthma well at sea level, but it can result in asthma attacks if your asthma is not well controlled or if you undertake intensive trekking.
Finally, remember to check that your travel insurance policy covers any expenses related to your asthma, which will be classed as a pre-existing condition.
As long as you continue to control your asthma as you did at home and are aware of the changes that travel can bring that could affect your condition, nothing should stand in the way of a great holiday.
Last Reviewed: 18 November 2009
- 1. National Asthma Council Australia [website]. The traveller with asthma (updated 2002, Jun 6). http://www.nationalasthma.org.au/content/view/292/656/ (accessed 2009, Nov 20)
