How To Overcome Travel Challenges with Asthma For An Enjoyable Trip

For travellers with asthma, experiencing new environments can be daunting. As asthma is a common lung condition marked by episodes of wheezing, breathlessness and coughing[i], it introduces unique challenges when travelling, from dealing with varying air quality to managing unexpected triggers.

However, this doesn't mean sufferers can't enjoy a relaxing holiday, and with some thorough preparation and strategic planning before you head off, it's entirely possible to manage the condition whilst away.

Below you will find advice for individuals with asthma, from securing a travel-ready action plan with your GP to packing a comprehensive travel kit. As you'll want to ensure that asthma doesn't limit the joy of exploring new destinations, we hope the following tips will provide you with confidence, knowing that with the right precautions, travelling with asthma can be both safe and enjoyable.

Asthma and Travel – What To Consider

There's a big world to see, with new places and conditions that can affect the respiratory health of those with asthma. It can be exacerbated by various triggers that can be commonly encountered during travel whether having an active holiday or a relaxing beach getaway. These include environmental allergens, changes in air quality, stress, physical exertion, and shifts in weather or temperature. With an estimated 8 million people in the UK diagnosed with asthma, over 12% of the population, many potential holidaymakers will be looking to avoid common triggers as much as possible.

• Environmental Changes – Different allergens, air pollution levels, and climate conditions can trigger asthma symptoms[ii]. Urban areas may introduce higher pollution, while natural settings might expose travellers to unfamiliar pollen or spores.
• Stress and Physical Activity – The stress of travel can also impact asthma control putting you more at risk of symptoms[iii]. Increased physical activity whilst away can also trigger symptoms soon after exercise, whether it's a hike or run, that can take time to alleviate[iv].
• Altitude and Air Travel – High altitudes and airplane cabins with dry air can trigger asthma symptoms. Reduced air pressure and lower oxygen levels at high altitudes warrant precaution[v].

Tips for Managing Asthma While Travelling:

• Research your destination to anticipate any potential asthma triggers.
• Choose your location and accommodation wisely, considering air quality and allergen exposure, as well as proximity to the nearest hospital and pharmacy.
• Gradually acclimate to changes in environment, altitude, and temperature.
• Stay informed and flexible, ready to adjust your asthma management plan as needed.

Pre-Travel Preparation

For a smooth and enjoyable journey, you'll want to ensure your preparation pre-travel covers everything you need. This is critical for ensuring that you have all the necessary resources and information to manage your asthma effectively while away from home. Here's how to gear up for your trip:

• Pre-Travel Check-Up – Before anything else, schedule an appointment with your GP well before your departure date. You can discuss your travel plans including the destination and any activities you're looking to do, with the more honest about your plans the better.

This will help you receive personalised advice on managing your asthma under different conditions, especially as travel abroad can be more eventful than a UK break, such as long-haul flights and hotter or colder climates. You may need to complete a fitness-to-fly (hypoxic challenge) test to decide whether you need oxygen during your flight too.

• Asthma Action Plan – Having an asthma action plan that is up-to-date and tailored for travel is highly recommended by charity Asthma and Lung UK, where you can download a copy to take to your GP. This should include clear instructions on what medications to take, how to adjust your treatment in response to symptoms, and what to do in case of an asthma attack.
• Medication Review – Confirm that your prescriptions are current and request refills to last the duration of your trip, plus some extra in case of delays. Ask your GP for a letter explaining your condition and the necessity of your medications, which can be helpful when travelling through customs. Some airlines may request to see this too.

Medication and Supplies Checklist

• Adequate Supply of Medication – Pack enough asthma medication (both controller and reliever inhalers) to last your trip, considering additional doses for emergencies. Remember to keep medications in their original packaging, clearly labelled.
• Carrying Medications on Flights – Familiarise yourself with airline policies regarding carrying medications and necessary medical devices. Most airlines allow passengers to carry essential medications in their carry-on luggage, but it's wise to check specific regulations. Keep all medication clearly labelled and split between bags just in case one is misplaced. Any liquids over 100ml will need a letter from your GP or a copy of your prescription.[vi]
• Essential Asthma Supplies – Besides your medications, pack a peak flow meter to monitor your lung function and a spacer for more effective inhaler use if you use one. Consider bringing a portable nebuliser if advised by your doctor, especially for long trips. Ensure that if using a spacer not to put this in a plastic bag as this will cause static to build up. Use a medicine bag instead and also consider you have travel adapters for plus for a nebuliser or CPAP machine.[vii]

Travel Insurance and Medical Information

• Travel Insurance – Arrange comprehensive holiday insurance that covers medical treatment abroad and, if necessary, medical repatriation. Make sure the policy explicitly covers asthma-related health issues. Having a valid Global Health Insurance Card (CHIC) is not enough to ensure you are fully covered for a pre-existing condition like asthma.[viii]
• Medical Documentation – Carry documentation of your asthma condition, including your action plan and letter from your GP. This information should be easily accessible in case you need medical care while travelling. Take a photo of this to keep on your smartphone too just in case any documentation goes missing. It's also helpful to have a list of your medications and their generic names, as brand names can vary by country.

Remember, pre-travel preparation is not just about packing but ensuring peace of mind. The further in advance of your holiday you start preparing, the better you can minimise the risk of asthma complications on your trip.

During the Trip

Once you are finally away on your holiday after all of the careful planning, it will feel good to be at your destination. However, you'll need to stay vigilant and stick to your routine of managing your condition. Here are some tips to ensure you can still enjoy yourself and stay happy and healthy throughout.

Environmental and Allergen Avoidance

• Use weather apps or websites to monitor air quality and pollen counts for your destination. The weather and conditions can change quickly, so check this in the morning before heading out of your hotel.
• Be sure to check that your accommodation has non-smoking, pet-free rooms with dust-mite-proof bedding to reduce allergens in your room.[ix]

Dietary and Activity Considerations

• Research dining options in advance and communicate your allergies clearly, using allergy cards if necessary.
• Increase physical exertion gradually to avoid exercise-induced asthma, otherwise known as exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB)[x]. You may want to incorporate stress-reducing practices like deep breathing or meditation whilst away.

Emergency Preparedness

• Always carry your asthma action plan, medication list (with generic names), and emergency contact information when leaving the hotel. Keep sufficient medication for the length of time you'll be out for the day.
• It's a good idea to find where the nearest hospital and pharmacy are when you arrive and how far you will need to travel to get there. Check opening times too just in case you need to visit. The hotel reception should be able to help you along with emergency contact numbers.

Travelling with asthma, while challenging, can still be a rewarding experience with the right preparation and mindset. From understanding how to manage triggers to knowing how to deal with emergencies, the key to a successful trip lies in thorough planning and self-awareness. Asthma shouldn't be a barrier to seeing the world, so with careful management and precautions, you'll be ready to explore and stay safe.

If you need more information, visit Asthma and Lung UK's page on travelling with a lung condition, as well as living with asthma from the NHS.

[i] https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/asthma/

[ii] https://www.asthmaandlung.org.uk/conditions/asthma/asthma-triggers

[iii] https://www.asthmaandlung.org.uk/conditions/asthma/asthma-triggers/stress

[iv] https://www.asthmaandlung.org.uk/conditions/asthma/asthma-triggers/when-exercise-triggers-your-asthma

[v] https://www.asthmaandlung.org.uk/living-with/travel/safely

[vi] https://www.asthmaandlung.org.uk/living-with/travel/safely#travelling-with-medicine

[vii] https://www.asthmaandlung.org.uk/living-with/travel/safely#travelling-with-medicine

[viii] https://www.asthmaandlung.org.uk/living-with/travel/insurance

[ix] https://www.healthline.com/health/allergic-asthma/travel-tips#booking-a-room

[x] https://www.asthmaandlung.org.uk/conditions/asthma/asthma-triggers/when-exercise-triggers-your-asthma

(Devdiscourse's journalists were not involved in the production of this article. The facts and opinions appearing in the article do not reflect the views of Devdiscourse and Devdiscourse does not claim any responsibility for the same.)