- Changes in climate (temperature, humidity, altitude, wind, rain, etc.)
- Changes in food
- Missing medicines
- Exposure to triggers (tobacco smoke, pollens, pollution, etc.)
- Stress, sleep disturbance, change in routines
By planning ahead, the effects of many of these can be avoided, or at least minimized.
Some children do fine in different climates. Other children have asthma flares. Unfortunately we cannot predict how a child will react in a different climate. There is no rule that says all children with asthma will do worse or better in different places. If you know your child has a problem during certain weather conditions, if possible, you should pick to travel during times of the year when the weather is best for your child’s asthma. But this is not always possible. Even the best planning can’t control the weather. Tips for handling weather changes are mostly common sense. If you are traveling somewhere cold, you should bring along appropriate clothing, such as jackets, scarves and gloves. Don’t overdress in hot climates. Let your child slowly get used to the weather instead of all of a sudden.
If your child is allergic to foods, be sure to ask about ingredients at restaurants. Don’t be shy - most restaurants are eager to make sure they don’t serve you any food to which you have an allergy. Better yet, if possible, bring your own food. Even airlines will try to accommodate for any allergies if you ask in enough advance time.
Before heading off for your family vacation (short or long) you should make sure you have enough of your child’s medicines, including all emergency medicines. Get refills on the medicines. Ask your clinician for a prescription if you will be gone for several months. Keep the medications with you at all times. Do not pack them in your suitcase. You may need a note from your clinician to bring a nebulizer on the airplane.
If you are staying in a hotel, make sure your room is a non-smoking room, especially if your child’s asthma is triggered by cigarette smoke. Try to go only to non-smoking restaurants, stores and events. If pollens are a problem, try to schedule trips around peak pollen season, or stay indoors on high-pollen days.
Stress is an unavoidable part of traveling. There is no way to eliminate stress, but being as prepared as possible is a good way to lower stress. Try to keep daily routines and sleep patterns as normal as possible while still having fun. Find out where the closest emergency room is in case something happens. Have your asthma action plan with you so you can refer to it should your child have an asthma attack. Children can sense the stress in their parents. Staying calm yourself is the best first step to lowering the stress in your child.
