Tweet
Some good advice concerning asthma control for those sufferers intending to travel.
One of the more frightening aspects of traveling with an asthma condition, is the simple act of getting on an airplane. Having an asthma attack at 35,000 feet while flying over the Pacific ocean would rattle the nerves of the strongest, but be aware, that unless you're sitting next to someone who reeks of cigarette smoke or perfume, generally the air being introduced into the airplane cabin is some of the purest available, and generally without allergens. So asthma triggers on a plane are not that common.
While traveling to Shaolin, make sure that you bring all of your medication, and more. You might want to discuss your trip with your physician so that he can prescribe other, backup or secondary medications, with instructions as to how to use them. I have never been impressed with the hospital facilities in Dengfeng, and I certainly was not impressed with the Traditional Chinese Medicine facilities, hospitals, or doctors.
First, the clinician should consider the patient's current asthma control. If a patient's asthma is not under control now -- for example, if the patient needs a rescue inhaler more than twice per week -- then the initial step is to gain control through enhanced use of controller medications, reduced exposure to environmental asthma triggers, and better self-management. A visit should be arranged before travel begins to ensure the best control possible.
Depending on the length of travel, ensure that the patient has an adequate supply of controller and rescue medications. If necessary, many prescription plans permit refilling the medication early if travel is planned. The patient should also have the tools necessary to manage asthma: an asthma action plan, a peak flow meter, and a spacer or holding chamber.
As you know, respiratory infections are a cause of many asthma exacerbations. During the visit, a review of immunization records can make sure the patient is up-to-date. Persons with asthma are at greater risk for complications from influenza, so getting an annual influenza vaccine can protect the patient while on travel. Vaccines such as pneumonia and pertussis can be updated as well. At the time of the visit, the clinician can also review simple measures, such as frequent handwashing or use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers, to reduce the risk of acquiring a respiratory infection.
Exposure to environmental triggers can cause an asthma exacerbation. Tobacco smoke, even the residual "third-hand" smoke from where a smoker has been, is a problem for most persons with asthma. Recommend a nonsmoking room, or better yet, choosing lodging that does not permit smoking at all, to greatly reduce the chance for smoke exposure. Persons with asthma, with the help of their clinicians, should consider their own asthma triggers and do some research prior to travel. For example, a traveler who has spring pollen allergy could check for the expected peak pollen count days for their desired travel location and avoid those days in that location if possible. A traveler whose asthma is worsened by dust mites could ask whether beds with encased mattresses and pillows are available, or whether it is permitted to bring one's own dust-impermeable mattress and pillow covers. Some hotels offer "hypoallergenic" rooms, although these might cost more than a regular room. If visiting friends or relatives, the patient should ask, for example, whether these homes have pets that might cause an asthma attack; if so, the patient should consider alternative lodging or at least see whether there are areas of the house where pets are not allowed.
Sometimes, even the best prepared traveler runs into trouble. Ensure that your patients with asthma know how to recognize their asthma symptoms. Patients who have the name and number of a local clinician who treats asthma, as well as contact information for their own clinician, can help avoid an emergency department visit if symptoms begin to worsen. Patients might also let their travel partners know of their asthma, and how they might help if symptoms occur.
Finally, the goal of good asthma care is to be able to enjoy life with as few symptoms as possible, and that includes being able to travel to one's desired destinations. Encourage your patients to enjoy their travels and, with your help, to do so while being active and feeling well.
Dr. David Callahan
Depending on the length of travel, ensure that the patient has an adequate supply of controller and rescue medications. If necessary, many prescription plans permit refilling the medication early if travel is planned. The patient should also have the tools necessary to manage asthma: an asthma action plan, a peak flow meter, and a spacer or holding chamber.
As you know, respiratory infections are a cause of many asthma exacerbations. During the visit, a review of immunization records can make sure the patient is up-to-date. Persons with asthma are at greater risk for complications from influenza, so getting an annual influenza vaccine can protect the patient while on travel. Vaccines such as pneumonia and pertussis can be updated as well. At the time of the visit, the clinician can also review simple measures, such as frequent handwashing or use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers, to reduce the risk of acquiring a respiratory infection.
Exposure to environmental triggers can cause an asthma exacerbation. Tobacco smoke, even the residual "third-hand" smoke from where a smoker has been, is a problem for most persons with asthma. Recommend a nonsmoking room, or better yet, choosing lodging that does not permit smoking at all, to greatly reduce the chance for smoke exposure. Persons with asthma, with the help of their clinicians, should consider their own asthma triggers and do some research prior to travel. For example, a traveler who has spring pollen allergy could check for the expected peak pollen count days for their desired travel location and avoid those days in that location if possible. A traveler whose asthma is worsened by dust mites could ask whether beds with encased mattresses and pillows are available, or whether it is permitted to bring one's own dust-impermeable mattress and pillow covers. Some hotels offer "hypoallergenic" rooms, although these might cost more than a regular room. If visiting friends or relatives, the patient should ask, for example, whether these homes have pets that might cause an asthma attack; if so, the patient should consider alternative lodging or at least see whether there are areas of the house where pets are not allowed.
Sometimes, even the best prepared traveler runs into trouble. Ensure that your patients with asthma know how to recognize their asthma symptoms. Patients who have the name and number of a local clinician who treats asthma, as well as contact information for their own clinician, can help avoid an emergency department visit if symptoms begin to worsen. Patients might also let their travel partners know of their asthma, and how they might help if symptoms occur.
Finally, the goal of good asthma care is to be able to enjoy life with as few symptoms as possible, and that includes being able to travel to one's desired destinations. Encourage your patients to enjoy their travels and, with your help, to do so while being active and feeling well.
Dr. David Callahan
While traveling to Shaolin, make sure that you bring all of your medication, and more. You might want to discuss your trip with your physician so that he can prescribe other, backup or secondary medications, with instructions as to how to use them. I have never been impressed with the hospital facilities in Dengfeng, and I certainly was not impressed with the Traditional Chinese Medicine facilities, hospitals, or doctors.