MIAMI, FL – May 8, 2014 – Some of the busiest airport travel days are among us, starting at the end of May with Memorial Day throughout the summer. It is estimated that more than 300 million people suffer from asthma worldwide and an estimated 209 million people will fly globally during the summer of 2014. In observance of National Asthma Awareness Month, Florida Center For Allergy & Asthma Care (FCAAC) offers those traveling with asthma, a checklist for comfortable travel all summer long.
Tips for Traveling with Asthma
- Create an Asthma Action Plan and follow it closely. Don’t relax on your standards. Plan to monitor your breathing so that you can adjust medication and avoid problems while away, quickly.
- Book a non-smoking hotel room, away from the pool. A room that is free of cigarette residue, pet hair and less vulnerable to dampness and mold will help minimize a flare-up.
- Plan for the first day on your itinerary to be for taking it slow to give your respiratory system time to adjust, especially when traveling to warmer climates or higher altitudes.
- Plan low-impact activities. Walking, biking and snorkeling are usually well tolerated by asthmatics. Running, scuba diving and other strenuous sports are less recommended.
- Confirm whether your doctor recommends taking supplemental oxygen. No one can be refused travel for needing supplemental oxygen, but you do have to arrange for it in advance.
- Request the allergist an extra written prescription in case medication is lost or destroyed.
- Pack your insurance card and healthcare provider contact information. It is also smart to research the name and contact information of an allergist local to your destination in case of emergency.
- Travel with both quick-relief and controller medications making sure that there is enough to last you through your stay and extra in case you get held-over unexpectedly.
- Consider a spacer/chamber add-on for your inhaler.
- Make room for a Peak Flow Meter to help measure your lung capacity before going out to do anything strenuous.
- When picking up your rental vehicle, make sure to run the air conditioning on the “do not re-circulate” mode to help with allergies to mites and mold that lurks in carpeting, upholstery and ventilation systems. This also minimizes the risk of outdoor air pollution, making your symptoms worse. Traveling during the early morning or late evening is best as the air quality is often better and heavy traffic is less likely.
- When arriving at your hotel, consider running the air conditioning to help clear the air.
The key to dealing with asthma is prevention. “Among my asthmatic patients, I’ve noticed that stress and improper planning are the worst aggressors during summer travel, even more so than the change of environment to where they are going.” said Dr. Zevy Landman of Florida Center For Allergy & Asthma Care. “Those who refill their prescriptions before they leave, carefully plan activities and accommodations, and give themselves extra time to arrive at the airport, experience less unnecessary complications.”
For more information on Florida Center For Allergy & Asthma Care, please visit www.florida-allergy.comor call 1-877-425-5374.
About Florida Center For Allergy & Asthma Care
Florida Center For Allergy & Asthma Care has been in business for 40 years and has board certified physicians with extensive experience in treating both adults and children. FCAAC has 17 centers throughout South Florida, serving communities in Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties. The Centers specialize in the testing and treatment of adults and children who suffer from allergies, asthma and other disorders of the immune system. Among the most common allergies treated are allergic skin diseases, food, drug and pet allergies. Florida Center For Allergy & Asthma Care Research conducts clinical trials on new medications. The goal of the FCAAC team is to provide professional and quality care resulting in total patient satisfaction.
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