It is easy to get excited about summer holidays, but, for some, the warmer weather can pose a challenge for asthma and allergy sufferers.
Whether you are going on day trips to the beach, on an overseas adventure or walks through the bush, it is important to be mindful of the asthma triggers, including heat and high pollen levels, that you can be exposed to.
So, being prepared and planning ahead before travelling, including ensuring you have enough inhalers and other prescriber and over-the-counter medicines, can help make your holiday memorable for all the right reasons.
Here are some tips for your holiday to help keep you safe and healthy, while enjoying your summer break.
Before you travel:
- Visit your GP/healthcare practitioner if you are due for a new prescription, or you are experiencing asthma symptoms and your asthma is not currently well-controlled.
- Review your asthma action plan (self-management plan) with your GP/healthcare practitioner.
- Collect repeats from your pharmacy if you will be away when they will fall due – you don’t want to run out of your medication.
- Find the closest medical facility or emergency services at your holiday destination so you are prepared ahead of time.
Things to pack:
- Inhalers and other medicines (if prescribed) for your asthma.
- Spacer, for metered dose (“puffer”) inhalers.
- Asthma action plan (you may wish to scan and save it to your mobile phone).
- Peak flow meter (if used).
- Allergy medication (eg: antihistamine tablets, intra-nasal corticosteroid nose sprays etc).
Triggers to be aware of:
- Tree, grass and weed pollen
- Smoke (from BBQs and wood fires)
- Exposure to tobacco smoking and vaping
- Mould
- Temperate and weather changes
- Cold air
- Pet allergens
- Dust mites
- Cold, flu, COVID-19 and other viruses
- Physical activity
