Travelling with Asthma

14 July 2011

Travelling should be enjoyable and worry-free if you take a few precautions. Whether you are travelling interstate or overseas, here are the most important points to remember. 

  • Visit your doctor well in advance of your departure to ensure your asthma is under good control when you leave. Tell your doctor your destination in case there are any particular precautions needed.  
  • Check that any medical insurance you take out will specifically cover your asthma (contact your travel agent for advice).
  • Ask your doctor to provide you with a letter outlining the history and severity of your asthma and your treatment
  • Remember to take your written Asthma Action Plan
  • Where possible, take with you all the medication you will require, as well as some extra 
  • Ensure that your medication is carried in your hand luggage and spare supplies in your suitcase

Special situations

  • Travel to high altitudes is normally okay as long as your asthma is well managed at sea level. People with asthma are not usually affected
  • Trekking, sightseeing or skiing should be problem-free when you have well-controlled asthma, a written Asthma Action Plan and adequate amounts of medication
  • People with asthma should not scuba dive

Nebulisers

  • If you normally use a nebuliser, check that there are appropriate power outlets where you are going. You may need to obtain a power point adaptor
  • Ask your doctor about whether you could use another medication delivery system such as a spacer while you are away
  • Ensure that the nebuliser can be used on the plane. Discuss this with the airline well in advance as they may wish to inspect the unit prior to departure
  • Plan carefully when travelling to remote locations

For travellers with allergies 

  • Anticipate, where you can, any increased exposure to allergens, for example to pollens or indoor pets  
  • Warn airlines or resorts of any food hypersensitivities or intolerances well ahead of departure
  • If you have experienced anaphylaxis, make sure your self-administered adrenaline (EpiPen or AnaPen) and Anaphylaxis Action Plan are up to date

Tags:

allergies, asthma, nebuliser, scuba, travel
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