Plan Ahead When Traveling With Allergies and Asthma This Summer: Tips from the AAAAI

    MILWAUKEE, May 7 /PRNewswire/ -- As summer approaches, family vacations
 and travel kick into high gear. More than 650 million long distance trips
 are taken by families in the United States each summer. Unfortunately, if
 you have allergies or asthma, the symptoms travel with you. According to
 the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI), you can plan
 ahead for the changes in your environment that may affect your allergies or
 asthma.
     "Although your allergies may follow you when traveling, there are steps
 you can take to minimize your symptoms," said Richard W. Weber, MD, FAAAAI,
 and Chair of the AAAAI's Aerobiology Committee. "If you properly plan your
 vacation, you will prevent your allergy symptoms from getting out of
 control and possibly ruining your trip."
     If you are planning a long vacation, consider visiting your
 allergist/immunologist for a pre-trip physical. An allergist/immunologist
 is the best qualified professional trained in the prevention, diagnosis and
 treatment of allergic diseases. Research has shown that patients under the
 care of an allergist/immunologist miss less work and school and have
 significantly fewer visits to the hospital.
     Here are some traveling tips for those who suffer from allergies and
 asthma:
     -- Before beginning a lengthy auto trip, try turning on the air
        conditioner or heater and open the windows for at least 10 minutes
        prior to entering the car. This will help remove dust mites and/or
        molds that may be in the system.
     -- Outdoor allergens, such as pollens and molds, are also potential
        hazards, especially when traveling with open windows. If you have been
        diagnosed with pollen or mold allergies, close your windows and turn on
        the air conditioning instead.
     -- To avoid excess air pollution when traveling by automobile, travel in
        early morning or late evening, when the air quality is better and you
        can avoid heavy traffic.
     -- When making hotel reservations, ask if there are allergy-proof rooms
        available. If you are sensitive to molds, request a sunny, dry room
        away from areas near indoor pools.
     -- If you have food allergies, be extremely cautious when eating airline
        or restaurant food because the ingredients may not be listed. Make sure
        to carry your portable, injectable epinephrine in case you have a
        severe reaction.
     -- If you have sinusitis, or a sinus or ear infection, air travel could
        cause significant pain. Try to delay your travel until your symptoms
        improve. If you usually experience severe ear or sinus pain while
        flying, take a short-acting oral decongestant or use a nasal spray
        decongestant about one hour before takeoff.
     -- The air in planes is very dry. Use saline nasal spray once every hour
        to keep your nasal membranes moist.
     -- It may seem obvious, but pack all medications you will need on your
        trip. Make sure you bring more than enough, and store them in their
        original containers, which list instructions on how to take the
        medications and obtain refills.
     Taking appropriate precautions, such as seeing an
 allergist/immunologist for a pre-trip physical, can ensure an enjoyable
 vacation for those with asthma and allergies. Bon Voyage!
     When to see an allergy/asthma specialist
     The AAAAI's How the Allergist/Immunologist Can Help: Consultation and
 Referral Guidelines Citing the Evidence provide information to assist
 patients and health care professionals in determining when a patient may
 need consultation or ongoing specialty care by the allergist/immunologist.
 Patients should see an allergist/immunologist if they:
     -- Need to confirm the diagnosis of asthma.
     -- Need education on asthma and guidance in techniques for
        self-management.
     -- Experience an itchy mouth from raw fruits and vegetables or other
        possible adverse reactions to foods.
     -- Need management and education concerning environmental triggers.
     -- Have a history of seasonal or persistent asthma, nasal or eye symptoms,
        for evaluation of inhalant sensitization.
     -- For consideration of immunotherapy (allergy shots).
     To find an allergist/immunologist in your area or to learn more about
 allergies and asthma, call the AAAAI's Physician Referral and Information
 Line at (800) 822-2762 or visit the AAAAI Web site at http://www.aaaai.org.
     The AAAAI represents allergists, asthma specialists, clinical
 immunologists, allied health professionals and others with a special
 interest in the research and treatment of allergic disease.
 Allergy/immunology specialists are pediatric or internal medicine
 physicians who have elected an additional two years of training to become
 specialized in the treatment of asthma, allergy and immunologic disease.
 Established in 1943, the AAAAI has more than 6,500 members in the United
 States, Canada and 60 other countries. The AAAAI serves as an advocate to
 the public by providing educational information through its Web site at
 http://www.aaaai.org.
 
 

SOURCE AAAAI