 Summer
Feature
Heading off on holiday?
Whether you are heading off to the beach, the
country, interstate or perhaps even overseas, good preparation is
vital for people with asthma. Here are a just few good tips.
Before you go
-
Make sure your written
Asthma Action Plan is up to date.
-
Having your asthma under control
before you leave is important.
-
Have your GP check your asthma. You
do not need to be unwell to have your asthma
checked.
-
A letter from your GP, listing the
medications you are taking and why, may be useful
for an emergency and for customs if you are
travelling overseas.
-
If you normally use a nebuliser,
check that there are appropriate power outlets.
-
Make sure that any medical insurance
you take out will specifically cover your asthma
(contact your travel agent or Asthma Foundation for
advice).
On the way
-
Keep your medication and written
Asthma Action Plan
with you in your hand luggage whether you are
travelling by plane, train or just by car.
-
Spare medication can be packed away,
but you do not want to be rummaging in the boot of
your car in an emergency.
-
Also, keep in mind that luggage may
be lost, so divide your medication between what you
carry on board and what you place in your suitcase.
At your destination
-
Plan your activities so that you
know where and how to get help in an emergency.
(Remember, people with asthma should not scuba
dive.)
-
If staying with friends be aware of
your asthma triggers like cat, dog or horse
allergens. Also, dust mite numbers are often higher
in coastal areas and humid environments.
-
Take a peak flow meter to provide
you with a regular indication of how well your
asthma is being controlled.
See the new
peak
flow chart and download a copy to record your
PEF readings.
Useful Resources
For comprehensive information to assist the
traveller with asthma see
The Traveller with Asthma
Asthma Management Holiday Checklist
First Aid for Asthma
Asthma Action Plans
For more information or support, contact your
local Asthma Foundation on 1800 645 130.
Asthma Foundations of Australia
Asthma Foundation of the ACT
Asthma Foundation of New South Wales
Asthma Foundation of Northern Territory
Asthma Foundation of Queensland
Asthma Foundation of South Australia
Asthma Foundation of Tasmania
Asthma Foundation of Victoria
Asthma Foundation of Western Australia
For more information on allergies go to
Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and
Allergy
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