New Delhi: Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease which causes an obstruction in breathing. The bronchial tube lining swells during an asthma episode, which causes the airways to narrow and lessen the flow of air into and out of the lungs. Even though asthma is a chronic condition, proper medication can keep it under control. To avoid attacks and be ready for them, people with asthma need to take a few safety measures before they journey.
Here are some important tips to keep in mind while travelling:
1. Consult Your Doctor Before Leaving:
Consult your doctor before you depart. Create an action plan that is clear and includes the medications and procedures to be followed if there is an episode. Have the physician draught detailed instructions that, in the hour of need, help can be provided. Furthermore, it's crucial to get the necessary vaccination before your journey if you're going somewhere which is prone to flu.
2. Keep Your Medicines Handy:
Keep your doctor's prescription with all of your asthma medicines, along with the original labels still attached. Keep these in your carry-on bags so you can access them at any moment rather than packing them in your checked luggage. Check whether it is essential to bring extra doses of your medication in case of emergencies by talking to your doctor about it. Keep your spacer and nebulizer close at hand if you use them. For your nebulizer, you might need to travel with a PowerPoint adaptor in some nations.
3. Research Your Destination:
Make sure you know how to stay warm or cool in extreme temperatures because it can aggravate asthma, whether it's too hot or too cold. In order to avoid aggravating your asthma in hot weather, attempt to reserve accommodations with air conditioning. If the cold weather is a concern, bring plenty of layers, cover your chest, and wear a scarf at all times.
If you have asthma, you may battle at altitude and in certain climates, so if you plan to visit any mountainous areas, be cautious. Air pollution is another factor to take into account. Even people without asthma may have trouble inhaling in some places due to the extreme air pollution there.
4. Make Sure That You Have Travel Insurance:
Asthma makes it much more likely that you'll require medical attention while travelling, and you don't want to be burdened with a sizable medical cost after seeking care. Check that you have travel insurance to ensure that any emergency costs are covered.
5. Avoid Swimming Pool At Hotels And Resorts:
If the area is poorly aired or the water has a strong chemical odour, people should avoid the pool because chlorine and other pool chemicals may aggravate asthma symptoms.
You should always seek medical guidance from a professional, but by keeping a few of these suggestions in mind, you might find it easier to travel with asthma.