The fun of traveling is being in a completely different place. But if you have asthma, a new environment can seem less fun because there's always the worry that something unexpected may cause an asthma flare-up. But you can take steps to help avoid problems while you're away from home — so you can concentrate on the fun.
Before You Go
Before you leave, make sure your asthma is well controlled. If it has been flaring up, check with your doctor before you head off on your trip. He or she may need to adjust your medicine or ask you to come in for a visit.
When packing, remember all medicine you're taking for your asthma, including rescue and controller medicines. Keep your medications in your carry-on bags so they're always with you. It's also a good idea to pack a little extra medication, so you don't run out while you're on the road.
If you'll be leaving the country, it can help to have a letter from your doctor that describes your asthma and your medicines. This can help you with airport security or customs. You also might want to know the generic names of your medicines. These are the chemical names of the medicine, not the brand name the drug company has given it. If you need to get a refill in another country, the medication might have a different brand name. You can get the generic names from your doctor's office or pharmacist.
Other things to pack include your peak flow meter (if you use one), a copy of your asthma action plan, your health insurance card, and your doctor's phone number.
Traveling on Your Own
If possible, carry a copy of your asthma action plan so people who are traveling with you (or the people you're staying with) can help if you have any breathing trouble. If you don't have a copy of your plan, let these people know which medicines you take, what the dosages are, and the number where your parents and your doctor can be reached, in case of an emergency.
Without your parents along, you will have more responsibility for your asthma. Keep your triggers in mind and take steps to avoid them. If pollen bothers you, find out what the readings are on a day when you'll be going for a hike or taking part in other outdoor activities. If air pollution bothers you, make sure you keep that in mind when you're visiting a smoggy city. Cities like Los Angeles make information on air pollution levels available through their weather services.
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 whatever you do, make sure your rescue medication is nearby in case you need it.
Of course, you'll want to forget about your asthma and have fun while you're away. And the best way to do this is by planning ahead and having your medication with you — so you don't have to worry if you do have a flare-up. If you ignore your asthma completely by not taking precautions, there's a chance you could end up in the emergency department. And that's no way to spend a vacation.
Related article...here
Before You Go
Before you leave, make sure your asthma is well controlled. If it has been flaring up, check with your doctor before you head off on your trip. He or she may need to adjust your medicine or ask you to come in for a visit.
When packing, remember all medicine you're taking for your asthma, including rescue and controller medicines. Keep your medications in your carry-on bags so they're always with you. It's also a good idea to pack a little extra medication, so you don't run out while you're on the road.
If you'll be leaving the country, it can help to have a letter from your doctor that describes your asthma and your medicines. This can help you with airport security or customs. You also might want to know the generic names of your medicines. These are the chemical names of the medicine, not the brand name the drug company has given it. If you need to get a refill in another country, the medication might have a different brand name. You can get the generic names from your doctor's office or pharmacist.
Other things to pack include your peak flow meter (if you use one), a copy of your asthma action plan, your health insurance card, and your doctor's phone number.
Traveling on Your Own
If possible, carry a copy of your asthma action plan so people who are traveling with you (or the people you're staying with) can help if you have any breathing trouble. If you don't have a copy of your plan, let these people know which medicines you take, what the dosages are, and the number where your parents and your doctor can be reached, in case of an emergency.
Without your parents along, you will have more responsibility for your asthma. Keep your triggers in mind and take steps to avoid them. If pollen bothers you, find out what the readings are on a day when you'll be going for a hike or taking part in other outdoor activities. If air pollution bothers you, make sure you keep that in mind when you're visiting a smoggy city. Cities like Los Angeles make information on air pollution levels available through their weather services.
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 whatever you do, make sure your rescue medication is nearby in case you need it.
Of course, you'll want to forget about your asthma and have fun while you're away. And the best way to do this is by planning ahead and having your medication with you — so you don't have to worry if you do have a flare-up. If you ignore your asthma completely by not taking precautions, there's a chance you could end up in the emergency department. And that's no way to spend a vacation.
Related article...here
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