A well planned trip is the best way to come back home with good souvenirs. Getting to know the place you plan to visit prior to leaving allows you to select the best time of the year to go, thus avoiding triggers that may cause respiratory difficulties. When we travel, we don’t usually plan a visit to the hospital. But it is preferable to be prepared and know where to go if we get into breathing difficulties.
The Lung Association recommends that :
- Before you leave, you should check the local weather and air quality conditions of your destination.
- Does your destination present any of your triggers? Will there be pollen or air pollution? Will it be extremely cold, extremely hot or humid?
- Be prepared to cope with these potential triggers.
- Pick a safe and healthy destination, close to medical help, just in case.
To be more precautious:
Avoid places :
- where there is inadequate or questionable medical help.
- that do not provide a smoke-free environment, e.g. smoke-free accommodation or smoke-free restaurants.
- with extreme temperature (very cold or very hot and humid).
- with your COPD or asthma triggers.
Talk to your doctor about the trip you are planning because the time zone or sun exposure or your destination can have an impact on your medication.
- Time zone: When traveling east or west across time zones, the time change may affect your medication schedule.
- Sun exposure: The heat and sun may have an impact on your medication, and your body’s exposure to the sun may increase your risk or side effects.
To keep with you while travelling
Ask your doctor for a brief medical history as well as an up-to-date medication schedule and written prescriptions for all your medication. These documents will be very useful if you must see a doctor while you are away and will ensure you receive the best care for your situation. You should also keep a copy of these documents in your records at home.
Enjoy and come back with lots of good memories!