Each spring, families and individuals alike begin to get excited about upcoming summer vacations and holidays. Trips to far off places, sleepaway camp, new activities, and new friends all present many opportunities for summer fun.
But, when you or your child have asthma, summer vacations also can spell disaster if you don't approach them in the right way. Not only do you bring your asthma symptoms with you when you travel, but you also may find that the accompanying environmental changes can actually make your symptoms worse.
The good news is that there are some concrete action steps you can take to prevent asthma symptoms from getting worse this summer. Here are some quick tips courtesy of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI for short) that will make a difference in your summer fun success:
Make sure your Asthma Action Plan is up to date and that you have a copy you'll carry with you. See your allergist/immunologist if necessary to update it. (For children going to day camp or sleepaway camp, make sure a copy is mailed to the health professional at the camp to keep on file.)
If traveling by car, turn on the air conditioner and open the windows for at least 10 minutes before you get into the car. This helps remove dust mites and/or mold spores in the system. Also, if pollen and / or dust are some of your asthma triggers, keep the car windows up and the air conditioner running throughout your trip, if possible.
Air quality tends to be better in the early morning hours, so to avoid air pollution from heavy traffic, travel in the early morning or evening hours.
When making hotel reservations, ask if there are allergy-proof rooms—or at least non-smoking rooms—available. If you are sensitive to molds, request a sunny, dry room away from indoor pools.
Make sure you bring more than enough of all your asthma medicines, and store them in their original containers, which list instructions on how to take the medications and obtain refills.
By including asthma prevention steps in your vacation planning, you increase your chances for having a fun and healthy summer vacation.
