Vacation travel can be as stressful as a major life change — especially when you can’t take a deep breath. But with a little planning, taking asthma on the road is easier than you might think. Star athletes do it all the time, safely and with few major inconveniences. It’s a matter of making a few phone calls and packing thoughtfully. Here are some tips for air and car travel.

By car

If it’s your own car, or a friend’s, have it cleaned at a detail shop first. Getting all the dust and pollen out of cracks and crevices makes a big difference when you’re spending hours inside the car. Rental cars are usually detailed between customers, but it won’t hurt to pick up the phone and make sure.

You never know when roadside conditions could change from scenic to disabling. Crop spray, blowing dust, and smoke are all potential triggers. Be prepared: pack a particle or respirator mask in your glove compartment.

If you are doing the driving, make sure you can easily reach your inhaler (or other emergency medication) from your seat, without swerving or stopping the car. Keep a bottle of water close at hand, to wash down a pill and to stay hydrated on the journey.

By air

Controlling the environment in your own car is one thing. Controlling the environment on a plane is quite another. Even so, you have the right to a safe flight. Don’t hesitate to tell the flight attendant you have asthma, and show him or her where your carry-on bag is located. Make sure one of the flight attendants knows what to do if you suffer a severe episode in the air.

Airplane cabins are often low in humidity. Since very dry air is hard on the lungs, drink water. You could wait a long time for a glass of water on a plane, so add a big bottle of water to your carry-on, especially if you expect to take medication during the flight. Avoid alcohol and cola drinks; both are diuretics (they dry you out).

You might consider buying a personal air purifier to take on the flight, especially if it’s a long one. These pager-sized devices blow filtered air toward your nose and mouth. It’s worth the expense to protect yourself from the stale, recirculated air of an airplane cabin. If strong odors trigger your asthma and you end up next to someone bathed in scent, a personal air purifier may reduce the risk of an asthma episode.

When you get there

Check your nonsmoking room before you turn down the sheets. Yesterday’s lone cigar won’t make the hotel take a nonsmoking placard off the door, but it could mean a miserable night for you. Don’t hesitate to ask for another room if you need one. Most hotels are happy to satisfy a reasonable, health-related request.

In each indoor environment you encounter, let your body’s reaction be your guide. If you notice any symptoms that tell you an episode may be developing, just leave. As hard as it can be to say good-bye, you can always explain to friends or relatives later, and even the Louvre isn’t worth a visit to the emergency room.

Finally, take your medicine as directed. Vacation travel is potentially hard on anybody, exposing you to unfamiliar foods and foreign germ pools, not to mention hostile pollen populations and odd changes in climate and altitude. Stick to your usual management plan, and — having planned ahead — relax. You’re on vacation.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, May 1st, 2007 at 6:58 am and is filed under Adult Asthma. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.