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Many asthmatic patients does not go to other cities for outing or for holidays because of fear of aggravation of asthma. Though in majority of instances asthmatic patients feel better when they go out of their cities. 

Probably because they are removed from the routine triggers of daily life. "Because of his asthma, we haven't been away for years, doctor". That little comment underlies a sad misunderstanding about what asthmatics can and cannot do. Of course the asthmatic can go on holiday and enjoy it like everyone else. Here are ways to suggest how you can plan your holidays to avoid disappointment.

General precautions

Medicines
Take with you an adequate supply of tablets and inhalers. A simple check list may be as follows,

  • Preventive medicine: You may be taking it regularly, continue to take it regularly.
  • Reliever medicine: You may have symptoms of asthma while at other place therefore take reliever inhaler with you even though you might not be using it presently.
  • Flare-up reversing medicines: Medicines such as tablets of steroid are very useful at the time of asthma exacerbation. Therefore as per advice of your doctor keep a stock of these tablets with you.
  • Instruments: If you are using your medicines through equipments such as spacer or nebulizer take these instruments with you. These are effective means of drug delivery in your body in absence of these you may have exacerbation of asthma. It is a wise precaution to check on electricity points to ensure you have the right plug for electricity powered nebulizer.
  • Other medicines: Antihistaminic, nasal sprays, acidity controlling medicines, pain    relieving medicines, antibiotics are additional medicines you might be using on a need basis. It is better to keep all these medicines in sufficient quantity. If you are having some other disease take medicine of that as well.  

General

  • Keep telephone number of your doctor with you and talk to him in case of need.
  • Accept the fact that you might need medical help. When you arrive, note down the name and telephone number of the nearest doctor. Also find out the nearest hospital casualty department.
  • Where to go and when to go: With adequate precautions you can go anywhere. Remember that regular treatment can overcome many problems. Keep a watch on the pollen season of that place.
TRIGGER OF HOLIDAY VOYAGE                  ASTHMA STYLE
Cold exposure
  • Window seat of train or bus: Neck collar in neck and handkerchief on nose will protect from cold wind specially during winter days.
  • Air conditioned compartment of train: During night time some berths specially the upper ones becomes too cold therefore take preferably lower berth or use extra clothing during night.
  • Know about the climate, pollution and amount of physical exertion expected.
      
Nearby smoker
  • Request him not to smoke. If he does not stop put a handkerchief over nose and mouth.
      
Chilled water or soft drinks
  •  Avoid taking chilled drinks or take sugar crystals after food.
      
Hotel
  • Avoid hotel rooms with damp wall, or smell of dampness. Use your own blanket or at least your bed covers to cover bed and blanket of the hotel.
      
Exertion
  • Only the most severe asthmatic need to avoid holidays that involve a lot of exertion, though of course you would need to be very fit to think about mountaineering or adventure holidays. Good protection against the wheeziness brought on by exercise can be achieved with many modern asthma remedies and this has opened up a whole new world to many asthmatics.
      
Fumes and smoke
  • Usually you should avoid fumes and smoke or use mask or handkerchief while in such places.
         
Camping
  • If you or members of your family have some allergies particularly related to the open air then think carefully before embarking on a camping holiday. The open air life brings you especially close to pollens, dust from crops and perhaps animals. Smoke from a camp fire can trigger off wheezing, so can cold air on a misty morning. Despite this, many mild asthmatics, by taking their medicines regularly while on holiday, can enjoy camping without undue trouble from their chest.
      
Air travel
  • Flying times for most planes are short. The chances of developing an attack in a plane are slight. Cabin crew are well trained to deal with emergencies and all planes carry oxygen supplies. Unless you are a very severe chronic asthmatic there is no need to take particular medical advice about air travel.
      
Winter holidays
  • During winter break of December north is very cold but it is pleasant in the south and central India.
By following simple rules of asthmatic style you can enjoy your holidays. We hope you won't need it but it is certainly a good example of better safe than sorry.
  


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