Asthma Archives - Page 5 of 6 - Active Healthcare

How to Manage Your Asthma in the Winter

Lisa Feierstein Asthma, Breathe EZ Leave a comment  

Old Man Winter’s arrival means you’re out of the woods for allergy season…only to be greeted by another slew of potential asthma triggers. Winter can also be a tough time for asthmatics because the cold weather forces us indoors where we’re surround by asthma triggers like pets, mold, dust mites and dander. Venturing outdoors can also bring on an asthma attack if the cold air irritates your lungs.

As you work with your doctor to identify asthma triggers you can take some steps to reduce the risk of asthma attacks. In the bedroom, you can encase the mattress in an impervious mattress cover and use mite-proof covers for pillows to reduce interactions with dust mites. Keep your home cool and dry to ward off mold and mildew; be sure to run the exhaust fan after you shower.

It’s cold and flu season, and these illnesses can exacerbate your asthma symptoms. Take precautions by frequently washing your hands and consider getting a flu shot. If the cold air outdoors is an asthma trigger for you, workout indoors and cover your mouth and nose with a scarf when you’re outside.


How E-Cigarrettes are Making Your Asthma Worse

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Double Threat of Vaping: Popcorn LungCigarettes used to be marketed as a trendy and cool, but they’re increasingly being replaced by e-cigarettes. The CDC found that over 263,000 teens who had never smoked a cigarette before tried e-cigarettes in 2013, which is three times the amount of teens trying e-cigarettes in 2011. Since there’s no tar in e-cigarettes, some consumers believe that e-cigarettes are a healthier alternative to regular cigarettes, but this isn’t entirely true.

Most e-cigarettes do contain nicotine, which can cause inflammation in the lungs. Particles in the vapor and flavoring in the e-cigarettes can also irritate the lungs, which is a recipe for trouble for those with asthma. These factors can exacerbate asthma symptoms and potentially bring on an asthma attack.


Healthier Eating Could Reduce Asthma Symptoms

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Eating healthy isn’t just good for your waistline, a new study shows that children with asthma can experience reduced symptoms by avoiding certain fatty foods and incorporating omega-3 fish oils to their diet. Asthma is the top reason children miss school, and obese children don’t respond as well to their asthma medicine. Dr. Jason Lang, a Pulmonary Pediatrician at Nemours Children’s Hospital, is conducting the study and hopes to extend it through May 2016. Children in the study keep a food journal and also take an omega-3 supplement, and showed notable change in their asthma management and experienced a reduction in asthma attacks.

Interested in keeping your own food journal? MyFitnessPal is free online tool and mobile app that let’s you track your meals, calorie intake, and exercise. You can also incorporate more omega-3s in your diet by eating seafood like salmon, sardines, trout, fresh tuna and halibut. Some foods are fortified or enriched with omega-3 fatty acids like eggs, milk, yogurt, bread, pasta, and walnuts.


New Test Provides Quicker Detection of Enterovirus

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Quite the stir erupted in September with the spread of a respiratory illness most dangerous to asthmatics and children. Doctors initially struggled testing for the disease since the Center for Disease Control didn’t have a recommendation for a test. As of Oct. 14, the CDC issued a press release about a new, quicker lab test. Initially we may see a rise in confirmed cases, but keep in mind this is due in part to the more rapid test results.

Most CDC-confirmed cases of EV-D68 this year have been among children, especially those with asthma or a history of wheezing. Doctors recommend frequent hand washing to prevent the spread of the disease, and those that contract the illness should avoid contact with others. There is no vaccine to prevent EV-D68, so these preventative measures are especially important in keeping the illness from spreading.

Keep Your Child from Getting and Spreading Enterovirus D68.  Avoid close contact with sick people. Wash your hands often with soap and water. Cover Your coughs and sneezes.  Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands.  Clean and disinfect surfaces.  Stay home when you’re sick.  For more information, see http://www.cdc.gov/non-polio-enterovirus/EV68/


Proactive Legislation Improves Air Quality in NC

Lisa Feierstein Asthma, Breathe EZ Leave a comment  

Air quality is easy to take for granted until we experience first-hand the effects of poor air quality. You can probably relate to driving with the windows down to let in the crisp, fall air, but that enjoyment abruptly ends when the exhaust of another vehicle wafts through your car. Fortunately, North Carolina is ahead of the curve on improving air quality, which is especially important for asthmatics.

Triangle Air Awareness, a public-private partnership between the North Carolina Division of Air Quality and the Research Triangle Regional Partnership, hosted their End of Ozone Forecast Season Luncheon last Friday to give the audience a snapshot of the state of North Carolina’s air quality. Speaker Sushma Masemore, PE, Division of Air Quality at the Department of Natural Resources, explained that the Research Triangle Region is meeting federal air quality standards. Masemore said that the NC legislature was ahead of the curve by enacting the Clean Smokestacks Act in 2002, which was an early action state mandate to control air pollution from coal-fired power plants.

Air quality has an effect on a variety of illness, like acute bronchitis, explained keynote speaker Dr. Kim Lyerly, professor of Surgery, assistant professor in Immunology, associate professor of Pathology, Duke University School of Medicine. Thanks to the Clean Smokestacks Act, Dr. Lyerly and his research team found a reduction in death rates for emphysema, asthma and pneumonia in NC. The research team, which published their findings in the International Journal of COPD, discovered a tight association between a reduction in pollutants and improvement in death rates related to air quality.

“The take home message for us is that we had such a forward thinking state…that they strictly adhered to a policy that reduced emissions in NC,” said Dr. Lyerly.

We will likely see even higher EPA standards in the future, but based on the proactive CSA, NC is up to the challenge.


Eat Better, Breathe Better

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You’ve probably heard it before—fiber-rich foods are an important part of a balanced diet. There’s a reason the saying goes, “an apple a day keeps the doctor away”—we all want to “stay regular.” Scientists recently discovered another reason to have a fiber-rich diet and surprisingly enough it’s related lung health.

Researchers studied mice on three different diets—low-fiber, regular chow, or food with fiber supplements—and found that the mice with a high-fiber diet had a stronger resistance to asthma-like attacks. When mice on the low-fiber diet were exposed to dust mites, a known allergen, they experienced increased airway inflammation. The high-fiber diet mice showed a lesser asthmatic response to the dust mites.

Fiber supports gut bacteria that in turn produces anti-inflammatory molecules. When these molecules enter the bloodstream, they help regulate the immune system, which is important because an over-reactive immune system negatively affects allergies and asthma. Need more fiber in your life? Try foods like nuts, apples, bulgur wheat, kiwis, and chia seeds.


Increased Risk of Asthma Linked to Childhood Obesity

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Obesity Weight Scale

Photo by Shutterstock.

Doctors have long warned the public that obesity is linked to comorbidities like heart disease, adult onset diabetes and sleep apnea. Researchers at Kaiser Permanente Southern California discovered another obesity-related health problem for children—asthma.

The researchers reviewed the health records of 623,358 children and found that overweight and obese children were about 1.5 times more likely to develop asthma than children at a healthy body-mass index (BMI). The overweight and obese children with asthma also experienced more severe asthma symptoms, had to visit the doctor more frequently, and had to take more medicine.

The Kaiser Permanente Southern California study, published in the American Journal of Epidemiology, also stated that asthma affects one in 10 kids in the U.S. and the amount of children with asthma has more than doubled in the past 30 years. If your child has asthma, it’s important that they adhere to their treatment plan. This study also reveals another reason to maintain a healthy lifestyle, and to encourage your children to stay active and choose healthy foods.


Local Schools Required to Provide Students with EpiPens

Lisa Feierstein Allergies, Asthma, Breathe EZ, Children's Health Leave a comment  

North Carolina students with allergies have reason to feel a bit more secure this fall. Effective Nov. 1, Governor Pat McCrory signed a law requiring K-12 schools to carry epinephrine autoinjectors (EpiPens) for students. Principals are also required to select at least one person at the school to be trained annually on how to identify allergic reactions and use EpiPens.

Although the state won’t fund the purchase of EpiPens, both public and private schools can apply to take part in a free distribution program called EpiPen4Schools. The program is run through Mylan Specialties and Bioridge Pharma, and participating schools can receive up to four EpiPens a year. Teachers can also receive training on recognizing allergy symptoms through advocacy groups like the Food and Allergy Research and Education (FARE) group.

In November 2013, President Obama signed the School Access to Emergency Epinephrine Law, which provides funding incentives for states with their own epinephrine laws.


Respiratory Illness Affects Hundreds Nationally

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Enterovirus D68, a respiratory illness, has recently led to the hospitalization of hundreds of children nationwide. Prior reports included North Carolina in the list of states affected, but the N.C. Health Department and Center for Disease Control stated that there are no confirmed cases of D68 in North Carolina. However, since 12 states are reporting cases of the illness, North Carolinians should be diligent about preparing for a potential outbreak.

The virus is more dangerous to asthmatics and children, and these groups should see a doctor if they experience wheezing in addition to cold symptoms. Doctors recommend frequent hand washing; keeping hands away from the eyes, nose, and mouth; and staying home if you’re sick as preventative measures against the spread of the virus. Unfortunately, there isn’t a vaccine available to prevent infection, but those affected by the enterovirus should stay home from work or school and get plenty of rest and fluids.


Don’t Sneeze Your Way Through the State Fair

Lisa Feierstein Allergies, Asthma, Breathe EZ Leave a comment  

Every fall there’s a veritable buzz about the North Carolina State Fair. Folks want to know which foods will be fried, which rides are the most exciting, and which local bakers can come up with the best pie. As you dig into a turkey leg and hit the rollercoasters, keep a few of these health tips in mind so your State Fair experience will be both fun and safe.

The petting zoo is a big attraction for children and families, but it can trigger a reaction for those with allergies and asthma. Animal dander can exacerbate asthma symptoms, so if you know you have an animal allergy, you may want to avoid the petting zoo. Parents of children with asthma should bring the appropriate medications in case their child has an allergy to animals that they’re not yet aware of.

In addition to irritants like animal dander, petting zoo animals can carry bacteria like E. coli and Salmonella. Fairgoers should also be diligent about washing their hands after visiting the petting zoo; especially if they plan on eating afterward. Visitors should avoid eating or drinking while walking through the petting zoo.

Fairgoers will also be exposed to thousands of other people that may present health risks. Plus, it’s hard to say if those other visitors are being diligent about hand washing. Pack hand sanitizer, any necessary allergy and asthma medications, and ask fair employees where hand-washing stations are located. By taking just a few simple precautions, you’re on your way to an exciting and safe time at the NC State Fair.


Unraveling the Link Between Childhood Eczema and Asthma

Lisa Feierstein Asthma, Breathe EZ, Children's Health Leave a comment  

If your child had a serious skin rash at an early age, and later developed asthma, they’re not alone. In the U.S., eczema, a condition that causes inflammation and irritation in the skin, affects 10 to 20 percent of children, and 3 percent of adults. Scientists at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis recently  discovered a connection between childhood eczema and the development of asthma.

Scientists were able to link atopic march, or the progression of eczema to asthma, to a molecule called thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP). Cells in damaged skin warn the body about the skin damage by secreting TSLP into the blood system. When TSLP travels to the lungs, it irritates the lungs in a way that’s characteristic of asthma.

Fortunately, the scientists conducting this study also found that early treatment of eczema may lessen the risk of developing asthma later on.  If your child has eczema or a severe rash, talk to their doctor about treatment options to reduce the risk of asthma later in life.


Sick Building Syndrome: Is Your Office Building Making You Wheeze?

Lisa Feierstein Asthma, Breathe EZ Leave a comment  

Six sneezing people smSneezing, itchy eyes and nose…these symptoms sound like allergies, but they could be an indicator of sick building syndrome (SBS). If you have a frequent dry cough and often sneeze at work, it might not be a result of your asthma or allergies. Sick building syndrome (SBS) occurs when employees have acute health problems that are linked to the building, and not a specific illness.

The best way to identify if you’re experiencing SBS is to first take a mental or written note of your symptoms. In addition to itchy eyes, nose, or throat irritation; are you experiencing dizziness or nausea? Is there a certain room in the office in which you sneeze more frequently? Do these symptoms only occur or increase when you’re in the office?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, talk to your employer or the property manager about assessing the air quality in the building. Without proper ventilation and air filtration, you could be exposed to high levels of indoor air pollution caused by building materials and furniture that emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Mold and bacteria are additional irritants. If you have asthma, SBS can exacerbate your symptoms, so share your concern with your employer if you suspect SBS is a problem in your building.


Turn Off Mute Mode and Talk to Your Allergist

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Plenty of people suffer from “white coat syndrome” aka anxiety about talking to their doctor. A new study revealed that asthma sufferers often experience this anxiety about approaching their allergist.

A study in the Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology revealed that asthmatics are often afraid to ask their allergist questions or speak up when they have a problem. Stanley Fineman, allergist and past president of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI), found that only 8 to 13 percent of asthma patients keep refilling prescriptions for inhaled corticosteroids after a year. Patients may not realize that managing their allergies in a proactive, consistent way will have a big impact on their asthma symptoms.

 If you’re still experiencing white coat syndrome but know it’s time to talk to your allergist, try these tips to help you keep your cool before you visit your doctor. First identify what’s worrying you; if you identify what specifically is making you uncomfortable, it’ll be easier to address the issue head on. Consider taking a friend or spouse with you to help you relax in the waiting room. Finally, if you simply don’t have a great relationship with your doctor, ask friends and family for a recommendation for a different doctor.


What Asthmatics Should Know about Ozone Forecast Season

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Ozone: Photo from Pexels.

Photo from Pexels.

Before heading out into the sunshine, we know to lather up with sunscreen and pack plenty of water. But another important step is to check the ozone forecast; this is especially important for children, the elderly, those with respiratory diseases or heart disease, and asthmatics.

Ground-level Ozone

There are two types of ozone, but ground-level ozone is the one you should be concerned about. Ozone occurs naturally in the stratosphere, but ground-level ozone is created when nitrogen oxide (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) chemically react in the sunlight. Ground-level ozone comes from sources like cars and smokestacks.

Ozone Forecast

Ground-level ozone can exacerbate asthma symptoms, but asthmatics can monitor the ozone forecast each day to know if it’s OK to participate in outdoor activities. Elaine Loyack is the program coordinator for Triangle Air Awareness, an organization that helps Triangle-area residents and businesses stay informed about and help improve local air quality. Each summer, she reminds folks about the importance of keeping tabs on the local ozone forecast and to plan their outdoor activity level accordingly.

“Ozone forecast season is the time of the year when the risk for unhealthy levels of ground-level ozone formation is highest,” says Elaine. “In North Carolina, ozone forecast season runs from April 1-October 31.”

What the Ozone Forecast Means for Asthmatics

On unhealthy air quality days, asthmatics should limit time outdoors to the morning and early to late evening. Severe asthma sufferers should avoid the outdoors completely. Asthmatics should also reduce their level of activity, so if you normally run outside, choose a walk instead.

  • Code Yellow (Moderate)–dangerous for those suffering extreme asthma.
  • Code Orange (Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups), Code Red (Unhealthy), and Code Purple (Very Unhealthy)–dangerous for all asthma sufferers.

 

Ozone Forecast Resources

Asthmatics can monitor ozone levels by email, phone, the Internet, social media, and through a mobile app. Each day at 3pm, the ozone forecast is published for the following day so folks can plan ahead. Click here to sign up to receive the ozone forecast.


Part II: How to Lessen Asthma Symptoms by Addressing Indoor Air Quality

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Part I: How to Lessen Asthma Symptoms by Addressing Indoor Air Quality, I explained how improving indoor air quality with the right air filters is key to managing asthma symptoms. In Part II of this series, you’ll learn how to manage indoor humidity levels to prevent mold growth.

Checking  Humidity Levels

Air filters are great at capturing particulates that can exacerbate asthma symptoms, but asthmatics can also be sensitive to heat and humidity. Since high humidity can encourage mold growth, it’s best to maintain 30-50 percent (% RH) humidity levels year-round. Humidity levels are higher at night and first thing in the morning during the summer, so leaving the windows open at night can actually raise the humidity levels in your home. It’s best to leave windows closed in the summer unless the outdoor RH is about 50 percent.

Smart Thermostats

Some thermostats, like Sensi from Emerson Climate Technologies, will tell you your home’s humidity level both on the thermostat and through the companion smartphone app. Although use of air conditioning can help with dehumidification, there are times when it may not be sufficient and a whole-home dehumidifier will help close the gap.

Bath and Kitchen Fans

Kitchen and bath fans are also important for keeping humidity in check. Today’s modern fans are equipped with automation and controls to run the fan at the most optimal times. Controls or use methods can also be adapted to older installations. Be sure to run your bath fan for a half hour after taking a shower.

If you’re unsure about the humidity levels in your home, consult with your trusted HVAC technician or an indoor air quality specialist. They can help you determine if your current fans, thermostat and air conditioning unit are working efficiently or if there is a benefit to install new equipment.


Part I: How to Lessen Asthma Symptoms by Addressing Indoor Air Quality

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Vacuuming with a HEPA vacuum cleaner, dusting, and regularly changing bedding are all important steps to take care of allergens in your home. Asthma sufferers should also frequently change return air filters in their HVAC system to capture particulates; monitoring humidity levels in the home to manage mold is also beneficial.

Selecting the Right Air Filter

There are a few key components to look for in an air filter to make sure you’re getting the most bang for your buck. Peter Kusterer, of Air Comfort for Homes, which specializes in indoor air quality (IAQ), recommends better performing 1″ traditional filters designed with low pressure drop (LPD) for your system. Select a pleated filter with a minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV) of 8, or better. Aprilaire and Honeywell are two brands that manufacture whole-home media air filters with a minimum MERV 11 rating that require less frequent replacement; in some cases, only once a year.

If you’re still experiencing discomfort after cleaning your home and changing your air filters, consider installing a whole-home media air cleaner that attaches to your HVAC system. Unlike a more traditional 1″ filter, a whole-home media air filter  cleans the air across a greater surface area. You can also move up to an electronic media air cleaner for an even higher MERV rating and efficiency. These filters will seem more expensive when compared to the traditional 1″ filter. Consult with your trusted HVAC technician or an indoor air quality specialist to determine if there is a benefit for you to install a whole-home media air cleaner.

Changing the Air Filter

Traditional 1″ filters will capture larger particulates and should be changed every 30 days. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendation of when to change the air filter.  When air filters aren’t changed regularly, your HVAC system has to work harder since particulate matter has built up on the filter and may restrict airflow. Set a reminder on your smartphone or calendar so you can easily remember when it’s time to change the air filter. Another quick tip is to write the “change by” date on the filter itself. Also consider running your system with just the fan on during high pollen count periods or when you have guests over. Using the fan, only, requires only the blower motor to capture particulates and can save energy when compared to running heating or cooling; you also capture airborne particulate that may have otherwise settled and is no longer capable of being trapped by the filter.

 In Part II of this series, I’ll explain how humidity levels can be monitored and managed to lessen asthma symptoms.


What’s in Your Mattress?

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There’s a lot more than stuffing and springs in your mattress, it can also be home to dust mites and other allergens like pet dander and mold. Although dust mites are invisible to the naked eye, these critters can exacerbate asthma symptoms and shouldn’t be ignored. About a quarter of Americans have allergies, and two-thirds of that group have dust mite allergies, according to allergist Dr. James Sublett.

What are Dust Mites?

Dust mites thrive in humid climates, and eat flakes of human skin, which settle in your mattress. They can also live in bedding, carpets, curtains and upholstered furniture.

Symptoms of Dust Mite Allergies

Individuals with dust mite allergies are allergic to the protein in dust mite feces and body remnants. Indicators of dust mite allergies are frequent nasal drip, sinus headaches, sneezing in the morning, and waking up with itchy eyes. If you’re not sure if you have a dust mite allergy, you can contact your allergist about taking an allergy test for confirmation.

Protection Against Dust Mites

Before you toss out your mattress and opt for a hammock, you can rest easy knowing there are a few simple ways to avoid irritation from dust mites. Wash your bedding weekly and consider investing in mattress and pillow covers that protect against dust mites. Hypoallergenic bedding can protect against pet dander, pollen, mold, dust mites, and other allergens. If you’re allergies are severe, you may also need to frequently clean curtains, carpets, and other upholstered furniture to minimize dust mite exposure.


Don’t Wheeze Your Way Through Exercise-Induced Asthma

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Photo courtesy of American Lung Association

Photo courtesy of American Lung Association

It’s often tough to work up the motivation to make a trip to the gym, but it’s even harder for those who experience asthma symptoms triggered by exercising. Post-workout, individuals with exercise-induced asthma, or exercise-induced bronchospasm (EIB), may experience wheezing, coughing, and difficulty catching their breath. Active Healthcare Account Representative Janice Stewart shared with me her own experience with EIB, and explained which treatment was effective for her.

Ten years ago, Janice was diagnosed with pneumonia and her doctor gave her an inhaler as part of her treatment. Since then, she noticed that she would periodically have trouble with wheezing, usually after using the treadmill or sometimes when her daily allergy medicine wore off. Janice got relief by using her inhaler after her workout, but she remained curious as to the root cause of her symptoms. Several months ago over lunch, I happened to be chatting with Janice about exercise-induced asthma and she realized that EIB might be the cause of her post-workout breathing problems.

Janice met with her doctor who confirmed that her symptoms sounded like a case of EIB. Janice’s doctor prescribed a new inhaler and an additional allergy medication to go with her daily Zyrtec. She now has a more proactive approach to managing her exercise-induced asthma. Thirty minutes before working out, Janice uses her new inhaler and now only experiences issues if she’s doing an advanced cardio workout.

“With my new medication regimen I am able to now do exercises that increase my heart rate without having to sit down afterwards to wait for the wheezing to clear,” says Janice. “I can recoup a lot quicker.  I have also noticed that with the additional medications that my allergy symptoms have been more manageable as well.”

Janice’s advice for individuals who have trouble breathing after exercise is to pay close attention to what your body is telling you—don’t ignore your symptoms. Janice wishes she had seen her doctor sooner for treatment so she could have spent less time suffering through her workouts. ­


Traveling with Asthma: Part II

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Packing Suitcase for TravelTraveling with Asthma—Part I explained how to pack and prepare for trips out of town if you have asthma. Now that you’ve done a little homework on how to get ready for your trip, check your packing list against this one to make sure you have everything you need. Need some suggestions for lightweight, small products that are great for traveling? I’ve also included some recommendations as part of this list.

*Packing List

  • Inhaler
  • Spacer—The Vortex valved holding chamber and mask delivers medicine quickly and efficiently, and is great for travel because of its lightweight design.
  • Peak Flow Meter—The TruZone PFM is also lightweight and the slim design makes it easy to pack.
  • Nebulizer—pack a portable nebulizer that’s battery charged or can be plugged into the cigarrette lighter in your car. If you’re traveling abroad and using a chargeable nebulizer, make sure you have an adapter. If you’re flying, check that the airline permits the use of a nebulizer while in the air. The PARI Trek S and OMRON nebulizers are great for traveling; both are lightweight and portable.
  • Health insurance cards and information
  • Asthma diaryclick here to find out more about what type of information to include in your asthma diary. The diary is useful in monitoring asthma triggers and medications, so you can recognize oncoming asthma attacks.
  • Hypoallergenic bedding—if you’re allergic to dust mites, consider bringing your own pillow and sheets if you have space in your bag.

*Note: You may not need all of these items, but this is a comprehensive list for your reference.

Remember to keep all medication handy. If you’re driving, don’t leave the medicine in a hard-to-reach corner of the trunk; if you’re flying, pack medicine in your carry-on luggage. With your careful planning, you’re on your way to a fun and healthy vacation!


Traveling with Asthma: Part 1

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It’s summer vacation time, but before you’re able to hit the road, there’s the dreaded chore of packing. Next to your sunscreen, flip-flops and stylish sunglasses, don’t forget to pack your asthma medication. Smart packing and a little research on your destination will go a long way in making your trip smooth and enjoyable.

Make a Packing List

Taking your medication with you is especially important if you’re in a foreign country. Brand names of drugs are sometimes different in other countries and it could be tricky to communicate with a doctor who speaks a foreign language; it’s best to avoid any issues by taking your medication with you. Pack spares of your medication so you have a backup in the event of lost medication.

If you’re traveling by plane, check with the airline about any packing constraints. Check packing guidelines from the Transportation Security Administration (855-787-2227), and visit the “Special Travel Needs” section on the airline’s website. Leave your medication in the original container and in your carry-on for easy access; if you’re checked baggage gets lost, you’ll be glad your medication is in your carry-on luggage. Some airlines even make oxygen available to passengers, so ask before your flight if that’s an option.

Research your Destination

Check the weather for your destination, and look for information about pollution levels at online new sites. That way, you can prepare for the type of air quality you’ll encounter.

You may also need to call your insurance company to verify that you’re covered while traveling. If you plan to go abroad, you could need travel insurance. If you have a smartphone, check to see if it works internationally as it could come in handy if you need to look up a hospital.

Assess your Hotel Room

Hotel rooms can be a hot spot for cleaning and smoking fumes, and dust mites. If you’re sensitive to harsh cleaning chemicals, avoid a room near a pool where those chemicals are used. Also check that your room is in a non-smoking area. If dust mites cause you trouble, consider bringing your own bedding or ask the hotel if they use impervious mattress covers.

With a little preparation, you can avoid navigating a foreign healthcare system and have a fun, relaxing and healthy trip.


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