Traveling with asthma: How patients can stay safe

Traveling with asthma is very manageable with the right preparation. Here are some essential tips to help ensure a safe and enjoyable trip:Before You Travel:1. Visit Your Doctor: Have a check-up and ensure your asthma is well-controlled. Update your asthma action plan2. Get Necessary Medications: Carry more than enough inhalers (rescue and controller), spacers, and any other medications. Keep them in your carry-on luggage3. Travel Insurance: Ensure it covers pre-existing conditions, including asthma-related emergencies4. Research Destination: Check for altitude, climate, air quality, and pollen levels — all can impact asthma5. Vaccinations: Be up to date, especially for flu and pneumonia, which can worsen asthma symptomsPacking Tips:• Asthma action plan (written instructions)• Emergency contacts and prescriptions• Nebulizer (if used) with power adaptors if traveling internationally• Dust-proof pillowcase if you’re sensitive to dust mitesWhile Traveling:• On Flights: Let the airline know in advance if you have severe asthma. Avoid sitting near pets if you’re allergic• Avoid Triggers: Be cautious of smoke, strong perfumes, pollution, or allergens• Stick to Your Routine: Continue taking maintenance meds even if you feel well• Monitor Symptoms: Use a peak flow meter if you normally do and respond accordinglyTraveling with asthma is absolutely possible—with the proper planning. People with asthma have the option of going on road trips or flying out to new cities and having fun as long as they prepare in advance. With proper preparation, people with asthma can have a great time without having an asthma attack. Planning ahead of time, whether for a weekend getaway or an international journey, can assist to avoid flare-ups and emergencies.Firstly, always carry your emergency inhaler and have it handy. Pack an additional inhaler, spacers, and any controller medication in your carry-on luggage, especially when flying.Before one decides on whether to travel or not have a chat with you doctor to ensure your asthma is well managed more so if traveling internationally. Share any concerns you have with your travel plans and ask whether it is wise to change medication dosages. Carry prescriptions and an asthma action plan with you just in case along with all the required medication and inhalers for their trip. Medication should be kept handy during the trip and not in checked luggage.Make sure you avoid all travel triggers. Consider yourself: reserving spaces where you will be staying that encourage clean smooth air, avoiding allergens such as pollen and dust, and predicting air quality beforehand. During air travel, inform the airline prior that you have asthma. To mitigate dry air in the cabin, drink plenty of water and protect your mouth with a mask to block out cold air.Set up protection and emergency contacts, and make sure there are such details available even in new countries(Dr. Manisha Mendiratta, Associate Director & Head - Pulmonology, Sarvodaya Hospital, Sector-8, Faridabad; Dr. Rajender Saini Consultant Pulmonologist, Manipal Hospital, Ghaziabad)