An unexpected attack of allergies or asthma can put a real damper on your travel plans. A new environment can sometimes even trigger allergy and asthma symptoms that can put you out of commission entirely. That's why, before you hit the road — or make any travel plans — it's important to consider your allergies or asthma, and take precautions to avoid activating your symptoms while you're away.
Causes of Asthma Symptoms and Allergies
There are many possible culprits that can affect allergies and asthma while you're traveling. These include:
- Pollen. Many people with allergies are allergic to pollen, which can be more of a problem in certain parts of the country and during certain times of the year.
- Cold air. If you're traveling to a cold climate, be aware that cold, dry air can trigger asthma symptoms. Since higher altitudes tend to be cold and dry — and there is less oxygen in the air — people with asthma may have some difficulty breathing at higher elevations.
- Humidity. If you're traveling to a warm, tropical, and humid climate, your asthma may also kick up.
- Pollution. If you're traveling to a highly polluted area like a big city or to undeveloped areas where wood fires and smoky air may be common, breathing problems may worsen, especially when it's warm and sunny.
Allergies and Asthma: Preventing Symptoms on Your Way
If you're traveling to your destination by plane, keep in mind that airplane air can be dry and may trigger allergy or asthma symptoms. When you fly, you'll reach very high altitudes, and even though you'll be in a pressurized cabin, you may still need some oxygen to help you breathe easier. If you've had breathing problems on planes before or are concerned that you may need oxygen, talk to the airline before your trip to make arrangements.
If you battle with allergies and asthma often, you might benefit from regular allergy shots, also called immunotherapy, which can help to relieve your allergy symptoms wherever you go. Immunotherapy, is a type of treatment designed to decrease your sensitivity to allergens like pollen and mold. With immunotherapy, the person receives increasing amounts of the allergen they react to in order to build resistance to that allergen.
If you can't plan your trip in a way that keeps you away from your allergy and asthma triggers entirely, you might be able to stop symptoms before they start with immunotherapy. Immunotherapy takes time to be fully effective, so if your doctor feels it may help, you should get started well before your “trip of a lifetime.”
Allergies and Asthma: Preventing Symptoms While on Your Trip
There are things you can do to prevent a flare-up of allergies and asthma while you're at your destination as well. If you know you'll be traveling somewhere where the pollen count is high, for instance, try to stick to indoor activities where you can keep the windows closed and the air conditioning on from early morning until about 4 p.m. You might want to try and avoid traveling during those times as well. When riding in a car, keep the windows closed. You should also try to stay away from cigarette smoke — it can certainly trigger your symptoms.
Besides getting allergy shots, there are other ways to ward off allergies and asthma, and still enjoy your trip. Before you head to the airport, take the time to:
- See your doctor. Before you go on your trip, make an appointment for a physical. Tell your doctor where you'll be going, and see if you can get any good advice or recommendations on dealing with your allergies or asthma while you're there.
- Pack everything you need. Bring along all of your medications, including extras, and a peak flow meter. If you start feeling like allergy or asthma symptoms are coming on, try using an antihistamine or other prescribed medication. Be sure to keep your inhalers on hand at all times.
- Get emergency supplies. Just in case you have a serious attack while you're traveling, talk to your doctor about bringing along some emergency medications. This might include prescription drugs like corticosteroid medications and an epinephrine injectable medication, like an EpiPen.
While allergies and asthma may slow you down on your vacation, they don't have to keep you locked in your room. Plan ahead, do what you can to minimize your symptoms, and pack plenty of supplies that can help you feel “good to go” again.
Learn more in the Everyday Health Healthy Travel Center.