Staying Well Column for 5/4/09

Traveling With Allergies and Asthma
By Genesee County Health Department Staff

For people with asthma and allergies, vacations require extra thought and preparation before leaving home. Here is a list of suggestions for a healthy vacation:

• Pack a list of medications with the pharmacy information, prescription refill number, prescribing physician and dosage.
• Pack enough medication for the trip and, if possible, also pack a backup supply, just in case of an emergency. Include hydrocortisone cream and an antihistamine with your other medication.
• Pack your medications in your purse or carry-on bag -- something that will be close by and is easy to get to.
• If you use any equipment such as a peak flow meter or nebulizer, be sure to take everything with you.
• If you use a nebulizer for your asthma, and are traveling out of the United States, be sure you pack an electrical current converter. For campers or others who will be away from an electrical outlet for long periods of time, portable nebulizers powered by a car cigarette lighter are available.
• Pack your own allergy-proof pillows or dust-proof zippered pillow covers.
• People with acute asthma and allergy conditions should wear a medical alert necklace or bracelet.
• If you need special supplies, such as latex free items, be sure to take those with you.
• If you have food allergies, pack your own safe snacks.
• Check your medical insurance coverage before leaving your state or the country. Know in advance if your insurance will cover you out of your area.
• Avoid exposure to tobacco smoke whenever possible and request a hotel room that is non-smoking.
• If you are prone to exercise-induced asthma, keep prescribed emergency medication with you at all times.
• Avoid driving with the windows down.