Go on holiday with the right asthma therapy

So that you can spend the best time of the year as pleasantly as possible, asthma sufferers need to invest a little more time in planning their vacation. After that, nothing stands in the way of fun.

The check-up at the doctor’s before the holiday is a must for asthmatics. Patients should be prescribed an adequate amount of bronchodilator medication. Of course, an inhalation device is also part of the equipment. Medicines and aids are best packed in hand luggage so that they are ready to hand in order to be able to combat a possible asthma attack effectively, especially since the relatively low humidity on board an airplane causes some asthmatics to have breathing problems.

Before starting your trip, you should find out about the planned holiday destination and the allergy triggers that are prevalent there in good time. Keep in mind that the further south you travel, the heyday is already advanced and may have already peaked. If you are allergic to pollen, try to plan your vacation at the time when the main pollen count is to be expected at home. Suitable holiday destinations for asthmatics are all low-allergen areas, i.e. clean air zones on the coast or in the mountains. With their mild, warm climate, Mediterranean countries offer good conditions for asthmatics, and high mountain locations are particularly ideal for people who are allergic to mites, because mites do not feel particularly comfortable in the dry high mountain air.

City breaks or areas with high levels of air pollution are less suitable as holiday destinations. In such an area, asthmatics should at least refrain from exercising.

Hours of driving in summer temperatures put a lot of strain on the body. Air pollutants such as nitrogen oxide, benzene and dust are more concentrated in the car than in the environment. The involuntary inhalation of high exhaust gas concentrations can lead to dangerous reactions, especially for asthmatics. Pollen allergy sufferers should have a pollen-proof air filter installed in the vehicle. In general, it is advisable to choose more economical means of travel such as train or plane.

Many hotels offer special allergy rooms. If these are not currently available, at least try to get a carpet-free room. If you suffer from a food allergy, it is essential to carefully examine the food, especially if it is an unfamiliar foreign cuisine. Basically, you should be cautious about mixed meals, such as sauces made from spice mixtures, exotic fruits and vegetables. When in doubt, it is better to forgo a meal than to take a risk.

If you take cortisone in higher doses for allergy prophylaxis, consider that these drugs and direct exposure to the sun on unprotected skin can weaken the immune system. So talk to your doctor about alternatives. The effectiveness of vaccinations is also impaired under higher doses of cortisone therapy.

In order to prevent emergencies, it is often helpful to identify a doctor at the holiday destination before you travel, who can be contacted in the event of problems. An accompanying letter from your treating doctor, possibly in English, can help to avoid communication problems at the holiday destination or any problems at customs due to medicines being carried.