Summer is here and that means vacations are right around the corner!
Dealing with allergies at home can be challenging enough, but what about
traveling with allergies?
Here are a few tips to help you feel comfortable and confident when traveling with allergies:
Food Allergies:
- Wear your medical ID Bracelet: List the foods you
are allergic, the name and phone number of your doctor and a notice that
you are carrying an epinephrine auto-injector.
- Translate your allergies- Language barriers in
foreign countries can be frightening even without allergies. There are
online sites that offer printed cards that explain your allergies in any
language you need. Go to: https://www.allergytranslation.com/Home/home.php
- Epi-Everywhere-Everyday! – Epinephrine auto
injectors (EpiPen® or Auvi-Q®) are the #1 treatment for severe allergic
reactions (anaphylaxis). Make sure you bring more than one injector. Up
to ⅓ of reactions may require a second dose, either for severe initial
symptoms or a delayed reaction several hours later. After using the
epinephrine, seek care at the nearest ER for treatment. Check the
expiration date of your epi device before leaving home.
- Where can you get treated? – Before heading out,
search for local hospital ERs, urgent care clinics or allergists at your
destination in the event a reaction occurs and medical treatment is
necessary.
- Bring your own snacks. If you are uncomfortable eating at restaurants over concern of food allergen exposures, carry safe foods with you.
Environmental Allergies: Unfortunately, you cannot modify the
climate or the pollen count when you are traveling. However, you can
know your surroundings and be prepared.
- Know your pollen: Different areas of the country
have distinct and predictable tree, grass and weed pollen seasons.
Knowing your allergies can help you predict if you will be facing pollen
season at your destination. If you don’t know your allergies, at
Family Allergy Asthma & Sinus Care, we can perform allergy skin testing
and you will have a result in 20 minutes. An online resource for pollen
counts across the U.S. can be found at: http://www.aaaai.org/global/nab-pollen-counts.aspx If you are travelling overseas, go to: http://www.worldallergy.org/pollen/index.php?region=all&country=all&infotype=all&language=all
While pollen “forecasts” are not reliable, pollen counts (from the
previous day) can give you a pretty good idea of the most recent levels
of tree, grass, weeds and mold.
- Get rid of the pollen: During particularly heavy pollen seasons, change clothes and take a shower before you go to bed.
- Pet-Free Hotels: Avoid pet-friendly hotels and motels if you have animal dander allergy.
- Allergy-Safe Hotels: A number of hotel chains offer
rooms with amenities such as bedding encasements to decrease dust mite
allergy reactions, air purifiers, replacing drapes with blinds and
special filter systems. For more information, go to: http://health.usnews.com/health-news/family-health/allergy-and-asthma/articles/2010/11/23/how-to-have-an-allergy-free-hotel-stay and to find a hotel directly go to: http://www.pureroom.com/find_a_pure_room or http://www.allergyfriendlyhotels.com/
- Medication back-up: Regardless of
what kind of environment you are traveling to, pack your medications.
If you are traveling by air, keep medications in your carry-on bag.
- When it makes sense, pre-medicate: If you
anticipate exposure to pets or entering an area where the pollen season
is in full swing, start taking your medication in advance. The most
effective treatment for nasal allergies is corticosteroid nasal sprays
that take a couple of days to become effective.
At Family Allergy Asthma & Sinus Care, we wish you a happy, healthy and safe travels! |
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