Is traveling more one of your New Year’s resolutions? Don’t let your child’s asthma stop you! With the right preparation, traveling can be stress-free and enjoyable.
Read on as the expert team here at Select Family Practice and Urgent Care in Raleigh, North Carolina, shares eight tips to help you manage your child’s asthma while traveling.
Before you hit the road, schedule a pediatric checkup with our team to review your child’s asthma action plan.
Keep a copy handy to guide you (and others traveling in your group) in recognizing and addressing asthma symptoms. Include emergency contacts, medication schedules, how to use spacers, and steps to take in case of an asthma attack.
Share a copy with other adults in your traveling party who may be with your child.
Double-check that you pack your child’s medications, including their quick-relief inhaler, long-term control medications, and nebulizers or spacers. Store them in a cool, dry place, and keep them easily accessible during your trip.
Bring extra medication to avoid running out in case of delays or emergencies.
Asthma triggers like dust, pollen, or smoke can vary by destination. Research the air quality where you’re going and consider accommodations, such as non-smoking rooms or hotels with air purifiers, that minimize exposure to allergens.
Consider bringing a small portable air purifier for the hotel room.
If you’re visiting friends or relatives who have pets, consider staying at a hotel instead if pet dander is a trigger for your child.
If you’re flying, pack all medications in your carry-on bag. If your luggage is delayed, you won’t be without your child’s medications.
You can also notify the airline about your child’s asthma needs. Dry cabin air can be an asthma trigger. Consider bringing a small portable (hand-held) humidifier to ease breathing.
Vacations often include physical activities like walking, hiking, or swimming. If your child participates, monitor their symptoms closely.
Activities like swimming are generally asthma-friendly, but avoid environments that may expose your child to high pollen or pollution levels. Always have their inhaler nearby during physical activity.
About 5 million American children have asthma. Because it’s common, you should be able to find providers out-of-state (or abroad) well-versed in treating childhood asthma.
Locate hospitals or urgent care centers at your destination, and write their addresses and phone numbers in your travel notes. If traveling internationally, consider learning to ask for directions to the nearest hospital in the local language.
Check if your child’s medications are available or allowed in the country you're visiting, and bring translations of prescriptions if needed.
Seasonal threats — respiratory infections like the common cold, the flu, and COVID-19 — can make asthma symptoms worse. Travel can expose you to germs, and a change in routine (lack of sleep) can weaken your immune system.
Ways to reduce your family’s risk of getting sick while traveling include:
Reminder: It’s not too late for a flu shot. Even though we’re in the middle of flu season, vaccination can still help protect you.
Travel plans may change unexpectedly, so remain flexible and keep your child’s health as the top priority. Let your child know to communicate any symptoms they feel — and that there’s no shame in changing plans.
With preparation, you can ensure asthma doesn’t overshadow your family’s travel adventures. Whether you want to review your child’s current asthma plan, or if you’re unsure whether their asthma is well managed, don’t hesitate to contact us.
Call our office at 919-676-0202 to speak with our friendly staff, or request an appointment online today.
