You won’t get any red flares or orange cones before you run into an asthma-related roadside emergency (although you may notice a warning sign or two). Yet any time you travel with asthma or allergies, you should be prepared to find medical care if needed. Furthermore, your travel partner should be prepared to take action on your behalf.

Before hitting the road, pack up the paperwork and medications you might need in case of emergency. The following steps can help you be prepared in case you have an asthma emergency:

• Ask your health care provider for a brief, up-to-date medical history. It should state your asthma classification and outline your asthma management plan (including your medications).
• Include a copy of your asthma action plan. Put it right on top, since this will be the first thing you, your travel companion, or emergency medical personnel are going to need.
• Reread your insurance provider’s policy on out-of-area or emergency room visits. Call your insurance company before you leave, if you have any questions about coverage. Pack your proof of insurance and any notes you made about emergency coverage.
• Ask your health care provider for the name and number of a recommended doctor at your travel destination. Ask your insurance provider whether emergency treatment in a doctor’s office is covered, or whether you’ll need to meet the doctor at an emergency health care facility. Keep the referral and coverage notes with your insurance paperwork.
• Order a double supply of routine and emergency medications. Pack one complete set of medication in the same bag as your insurance and medical history paperwork. Keep this bag inside the car, in a place where you or a travel partner can find it (and reach it) quickly in an emergency. Pack the other set in your suitcase.

Talk to your travel partner about a possible emergency

Before you leave, explain to your travel partner what he or she should do in case of a medical emergency. Explain what an asthma or allergy emergency “looks like” as simply as possible. For example, say, “If you notice me wheezing, remind me to check my asthma action plan,” or “If you see me breaking out in welts after we eat lunch, give me an injection immediately.” If you aren’t sure how to explain the visual cues for status asthmaticus or anaphylactic shock, ask your health care provider for help.

If you have asthma, go over your asthma action plan with your travel companion. Point out which inhaler contains quick-relief rescue medication, and show your partner where you keep it.

If you carry an emergency kit for anaphylactic shock, show your travel partner where it is. Give brief instructions on what to do, emphasizing how serious anaphylactic shock can be. Some people might be afraid to administer a shot, so ask about it in advance. You want to know now if the person isn’t going to be able to handle administering an injection in an emergency. You may be able to convince someone from your doctor’s office to demonstrate how to give an injection.

Once you’re completely packed and armed for unexpected asthma or allergy complications, you can start relaxing and enjoying yourself.

This entry was posted on Monday, March 5th, 2007 at 10:36 pm and is filed under Seasonal & Travel. 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.