by V. Kumar

Created on: October 13, 2009   Last Updated: October 17, 2009

Travelling is a time when you expose yourself to many vulnerabilities. The worsening of asthma is one of them. This does not mean that you should never travel. But it does mean that while travelling, you make sure that you are in control.

Travelling for any person is a period of stress and uncertainties, for which one should always be prepared in advance. If you add the uncertainty of an asthma attack, you need to be that much more careful in your preparations. Most of what you need to do revolves around simple common sense. For a beginner, it would make sense to take the following steps.

1. Do not travel if your asthma is not under control

If you are not sure that your asthma is stable and under control with long term regular medication, then that is not the right time for travel. If you have been experiencing a worsening of your symptoms of condition during the last few days, then that is also a sign to postpone your trip. Such precaution is far better than emergency hospitalization or panic return in the middle of the trip later. Before you embark on a trip, make sure that you are fit and in control of asthma.

2. Avoid travel and adventures that put you under risk

It makes sense to know what can worsen asthma and create problems for you. So if you are not used to a cold environment, then avoid taking an adventure trip to high altitude colder regions, where the sudden change in temperature may precipitate an attack. Similarly, if you are allergic to dust, then avoid going to places that are dusty and expose you to allergens.

3. Company is preferable

If you are just travelling to another place where you are going to have friends, then it is fine. Otherwise, it is preferable to travel in a group, especially if your asthma has a tendency to worsen frequently. Make sure that your companion knows all about your asthma, medication and your physician when you are travelling.

4. Ensure availability of medicines

The worst possible nightmare one can have is not have medicines readily available during travel. So make sure that you are carrying your medication in sufficient quantity, with back-ups. Always have some medicines ready on your person, and most importantly, never travel without your prescription and medical details. You must also remember that treatment of a sudden attack is different from regular medicines, so keep the medicines for a possible worsening also readily available with you.

5. Know where you are going

If you are travelling to a new place, make sure that you are aware of the medical facilities available there. In you are not sure whether you can get your prescribed medicines, carry enough for your travel. Also, it will do no harm to browse or enquire from the travel managers about the details of these facilities and talk to them yourself before you leave.

6. Do not overdo yourself

While travelling can often be great fun, and you must not be a spoilsport in the group, you should also know the limits that keep you safe. It would be worse for everybody if your asthma worsens and the others are forced to curtail their enjoyment. Better safe than sorry.

6. Always have a backup plan

In spite of all your preparedness, it is still possible to have a worsening of asthma during the travel. In such a case you should not be at a loss. So always keep a backup plan ready. Ensure that in case of any emergency you would be able to secure a seat on the returning flight. Carry necessary cash or card for this purpose.

With these precautions, an ounce of common sense and necessary medicines, you would feel doubly confident on your trip, and be able to enjoy it fully without being scared of an uncertain worsening of asthma. Once you are in control, nothing can stop you.

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