{"id":15278,"date":"2016-08-05T10:51:04","date_gmt":"2016-08-05T14:51:04","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.achooallergy.com\/blog\/?p=6607"},"modified":"2025-06-17T04:56:19","modified_gmt":"2025-06-17T08:56:19","slug":"on-the-go-asthma-care-for-the-summer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.achooallergy.com\/blog\/on-the-go-asthma-care-for-the-summer\/","title":{"rendered":"On the Go: Asthma Care for the Summer"},"content":{"rendered":"

The recycled air of planes, the faint smell of smoke in a hotel room, pollen at a national park: All of these factors mean something different when traveling with an asthmatic. However, these worries can be managed once you know how asthma works, what can trigger it, and how you can avoid these triggers in your summer travels<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Asthma 101<\/b><\/span><\/h4>\n

Despite its relative commonness, asthma isn’t always understood, even by family members of asthmatics. The National Institute of Health defines it simply<\/span>:<\/span><\/p>\n

Asthma is a chronic lung disease that affects the airways. Children with asthma have airways that are inflamed. Inflamed airways are very sensitive, so they tend to react strongly to things called triggers.<\/span><\/p>\n

Inflammation of the airways can cause a number of troublesome symptoms, including coughing or wheezing, tightness in the chest, and debilitating shortness of breath. In these moments, when we know as asthma attacks\u009d in their most severe form, emergency medication must be provided in a timely manner to open the airways and ease breathing. <\/span><\/p>\n

During the school year, triggers for asthma attacks can include dust mites or mold in classrooms, chalk dust, and year-round respiratory infections like cold or flu. In the summer, different triggers present themselves. Without the support of teachers, classroom volunteers, and neighbors, it will take a different plan of attack to responsibly address triggers, especially on vacation in unfamiliar surroundings. <\/span><\/p>\n

Summer Asthma Triggers<\/b><\/span><\/h4>\n

At home, we feel in control of triggers around the house. Diligent cleaning and vacuuming stave off dust mites, mildew, and mold; HEPA air purifiers lessen the impact of pollen and cigarette smoke. Outside of the home? All bets are off, and triggers present a greater threat on planes and in hotels or friends’ homes<\/span><\/a>, where we have less control over these factors. <\/span><\/p>\n

Also of note: humidity that often accompanies summer temperatures fuels an increase in dust mites and makes it easier for pollen to travel through the air. When these factors collide, we can wind up in conditions ripe for asthma irritation.<\/span><\/p>\n

What to Know Before You Go<\/b><\/span><\/h4>\n

A trigger-free vacation requires preparation and attentiveness to your surroundings. At the same time, trips should not be so fraught with worry as to remove your joy. Ensure that vacation, is more fun than concern by answering the following questions:<\/span><\/p>\n

How are we getting there?<\/i> If you’re traveling by car, tackle potential triggers by ensuring pre-trip car maintenance includes replacement of car air filters and a thorough cleaning of the ventilation and air conditioning systems. This way, you know the air circulating in the car is as clean as it can be. It’s also a good idea to remember that severe asthma cases may merit wiping down surfaces with an allergy-friendly cleaning solution<\/a> and inspect potential allergens around your seat.<\/span><\/p>\n

Where are we staying? <\/i>For hotels, it is worth your time to not just ask for non-smoking rooms, but for an allergy-free room free of smoke residue, dander, and mold. For friends’ homes, make sure these friends don’t have pets (or if they do, that the pets are either outdoor animals or consistently confined) or smoke. In the case of the latter, be advised that even outdoor smokers may have smoke residue or scents in the home. And consider bringing some pillow covers<\/a> and mattress covers to help further protect against allergens<\/a> and asthma trigger.<\/span><\/p>\n

What’s nearby? <\/i>While we never like to dwell on the worst-case scenario, it is possible that your asthmatic will need medical attention while on your trip. Having an idea of what hospitals, urgent care centers, pharmacy-based clinics, and drugstores will be on your path<\/span> and in your area can help provide emergency attention, or important medicines that you may have forgotten to bring along.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Your Asthma Care Survival Kit<\/b><\/span><\/h4>\n

No matter where you’re going, there are a number of must-bring items that should travel with any asthmatic family. Be sure that these items are either readily available or can be acquired where you’ll be<\/span><\/a>. <\/span><\/p>\n

Your asthma action plan: several copies!<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

This plan should include a list of conditions you have and the medications you’re taking, including the dosage and the doctor who prescribed them. Several copies ensure that a master copy doesn’t get lost, and supplemental copies can be handed off if needed.<\/span><\/p>\n

Your health insurance card.
\n<\/i>This should be coupled with prior research about how your coverage applies out of state, and what contact you’ll need with a doctor if an emergency happens while you’re gone. <\/span><\/p>\n

Your emergency asthma relief medication.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

This tip is a given. Do not leave home without the ability to manage an unexpected asthma attack in the moment. Pack a supply that will last you the duration of your trip, plus a few extra days’ worth in case of travel delays or dropping of pills.<\/span><\/p>\n

A reusable water bottle.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

Useful for a number of reasons, it can help ease early asthma symptoms by keeping the air passages lubricated. Stay hydrated, especially when in dry areas or while flying (where the air is dry). <\/span><\/p>\n

Summer is a time for moving outside your comfort zone, seeing new places, and trying new things. Don’t let your asthma get in the way of this natural urge<\/a>. By creating a detailed and thoughtful plan, you can breathe easy as you and your family take on adventure without fear or concern.<\/span><\/p>\n

Be sure to check out our other summertime allergy blog posts for more tips and tricks<\/a> on how to stay healthy all summer long!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

The recycled air of planes, the faint smell of smoke in a hotel room, pollen at a national park: All of these factors mean something different when traveling with an asthmatic. However, these worries can be managed once you know… <\/p>\n