A change of scenery can also mean changes in air quality, climate, altitude, allergens, and daily routines. When managing asthma or a chronic respiratory condition, knowing what to expect–and having a plan for managing symptoms–can help make those changes easier to navigate.
Our Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Michelle Nathan, shares practical guidance for managing respiratory health away from home, from keeping medications close at hand to planning for environmental triggers and respiratory equipment. Thoughtful planning can help ensure respiratory health remains one less thing to worry about while traveling.
Before Travel:
Know the Destinations and Activities
Respiratory triggers can look very different from one destination to another. Air pollution, wildfire smoke, pollen, dust, humidity, dry air, extreme temperatures, and altitude can all affect respiratory symptoms.
Before departure, travelers should research the environmental conditions they are likely to encounter and consider how those may affect their respiratory health. Those with known triggers, such as pollen, smoke, or poor air quality, should plan accordingly and discuss any concerns with their healthcare provider. Additionally, when air quality is poor, travelers may need to limit exposure and reduce strenuous outdoor activities.
Altitude also deserves extra attention. Because oxygen levels decrease as elevation increases, those with chronic respiratory conditions heading to higher elevations should discuss the destination and planned activities with their healthcare provider before departure.
The itinerary matters, too. Hiking at elevation, spending an entire day walking through a city, or being active in hot, humid weather may feel different from similar activities at home. Knowing personal limits and adjusting the pace when needed can help keep symptoms well managed without unnecessarily limiting the experience. Understanding the physical demands of planned activities and knowing personal limits can help travelers prepare appropriately and make any necessary adjustments before they leave.
Talk to a Healthcare Provider
Travelers with asthma or a chronic respiratory condition should meet with their healthcare provider 4–6 weeks before departure to review their current treatment plan and discuss the specifics of the trip.
This is a good time to talk through known triggers, planned activities, altitude, air travel, and any respiratory equipment that will be needed. Those with asthma should also make sure their asthma action plan is current and that they understand what to do if symptoms worsen while away. For other chronic respiratory conditions, the individualized care plan provided by the treating healthcare team should be reviewed as well.
Before leaving that appointment, travelers should have a clear understanding of which medications to take regularly, what to use if symptoms develop, and when symptoms warrant medical attention.
Have a Medication Plan & Medical Equipment Plan
All essential medications should be packed in carry-on luggage, with enough medication for the entire trip plus extra in case of delays. Keep rescue medications in an easy to access part of the carry-on. Controller medications should continue to be taken as prescribed, even when symptoms are well managed.
Whenever possible, medications should remain in their original, labeled containers. Travelers should also carry a current medication list and relevant medical information, including respiratory diagnoses, allergies, healthcare provider’s contact information, and emergency contacts. If travelers have a respiratory care plan, a copy should remain readily accessible throughout the trip.
Nebulizers, CPAP or BiPAP devices, portable oxygen concentrators, and other respiratory equipment require their own advance planning. Travelers should confirm airline policies for any equipment that will be carried or used onboard before departure. If supplemental oxygen is used, travelers should discuss their needs during air travel with their healthcare provider. Travelers must contact airlines well in advance to make any necessary arrangements for oxygen or equipment needs.
For international trips, check the destination’s electrical voltage and outlet type and pack the appropriate adapters. Batteries, chargers, tubing, masks, and other essential supplies should also be accounted for, including backups when appropriate.
During Travel:
Stay Hydrated
During air travel, the low humidity in the cabin draws moisture from skin and respiratory tract. Dry air can exacerbate respiratory symptoms and increase the chance of lung infections. Travelers should stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water before and during your flight.
Keep Medications & Supplies Within Reach
Travelers should keep rescue medications nearby- ideally in the carry-on at their feet. Keep any equipment close by and easy to reach. Continue taking regular medications as scheduled and maintain good hand hygiene with frequent hand washing/sanitizing.
Take Breaks From Environmental Exposures
Airports, airplanes, public transportation, and other travel environments may expose travelers to dry air, irritants, or other respiratory triggers for extended periods. Taking opportunities to move around, change environments, and get fresh air when appropriate can help reduce discomfort and support respiratory health during travel.
During long flights, travelers should get up and walk when it is safe to do so. On road trips, regular stops provide an opportunity to get out of the vehicle, move around, and take a break before continuing the journey.
At the Destination:
Maintain Routines
As much as possible, travelers should maintain their routine from home. Take medications on schedule and continue following individualized dietary, hydration, activity, and monitoring recommendations.
It can also be helpful to allow some time to adjust after arrival, particularly following an overnight flight, a major time-zone change, or arrival at altitude. A packed schedule is not necessary on the first day. Building some flexibility into the itinerary gives the body time to adjust while still leaving plenty of opportunity to enjoy the trip.
Maintain a regular sleep routine. Optimize the sleeping environment by keeping the room cool and dark, using eye masks and ear plugs, and having a wind-down routine before sleep. When tired, travelers should rest. Limiting daytime naps to 15-20 minutes allows one to still sleep at night.
- Monitor for Changes in Symptoms
Travel can quickly alter familiar routines. Sleep schedules shift, meals happen at different times, more time may be spent outdoors, and unfamiliar environments can introduce new respiratory triggers. For asthma, significant breathing difficulty that does not improve with prescribed rescue medication requires prompt medical attention. Significant or worsening shortness of breath, difficulty speaking because of breathlessness, or other serious changes in breathing should also be treated as a medical concern rather than something to simply wait out.
Respiratory infections can aggravate asthma and other chronic lung conditions as well. Preventing respiratory infections is another important part of managing respiratory health while traveling. Good hand hygiene remains important while traveling, and recommended vaccinations should be discussed with a healthcare provider as part of pre-travel planning.
Know Who to Call for Medical Care
Finding appropriate healthcare in an unfamiliar place can be difficult, particularly when already dealing with respiratory symptoms. Before departure, travelers should understand their travel insurance and emergency assistance benefits and know how to access them.
Emergency assistance providers, such as On Call International, can help travelers navigate care at their destination. Depending on the situation, that might mean arranging a telehealth consultation, identifying an appropriate local healthcare provider, or even help locating a pharmacy when an inhaler or other medication needs to be replaced.
For a more serious respiratory issue, an emergency assistance provider can also help coordinate care between treating medical teams and facilitate medical transportation or evacuation when medically necessary.
Travelers should save their emergency assistance provider’s contact information in their phone and keep another copy with important travel documents. If a respiratory concern arises, knowing who to call can remove an unnecessary step at a time when getting appropriate care is the priority.
A Little Planning Goes a Long Way
Managing a respiratory condition while traveling is largely about knowing what works at home and planning for how a change in environment or routine could affect it. A current treatment plan, accessible medications, awareness of respiratory triggers, properly planned equipment, and a clear understanding of where to turn for help give travelers practical tools for managing their respiratory health while away.
Want to ensure your travelers are equipped with the information and resources they need for safe, healthy, and successful trips? Contact us today to learn more.
About On Call International:
When traveling, every problem is unique–a medical crisis, a political threat, even a common incident such as a missed flight. But every solution starts with customized care that ensures travelers are safe and protected. That’s why for over 30 years, On Call International has provided fully-customized travel risk management and emergency assistance services protecting millions of travelers, their families, and their organizations. Visit www.oncallinternational.com and follow us on LinkedIn to learn more.
