July 14, 2016
allergies, Asthma, epipen, philadelphia, sinus disorders, summer, travel, vacation

For interviews and tours of the Delaware Valley’s only certified pollen and mold spore stations for the National Allergy Bureau (NAB) with stations, please email gwoodlyn@asthmacenter.com

Summer is a special time for making memories.

You may be planning:

• a daytrip (down the shore or to visit one of the Delaware Valley’s many attractions, museums, music or sports venues, or any of our many parks and recreational areas),
• a weekend getaway
• a family vacation or reunion
• a road trip across the U.S. (or to a particular landmark or region)
• a longer trip abroad
• a “bucketlist” cruise or adventure

While some detours can add to the fun, flare ups in allergies, asthma, and sinus problems are not.

 The Asthma Center has created the following checklists to help you and your family enjoy healthy and safe outings, travel, and vacations!

Click here for PDF version to save and use for your next adventure

Before you go:

• Visit your specialist. The physicians & staff of The Asthma Center can help you get ready by reviewing your personal Action Plan & special travel needs. For example, individuals with asthma may be unaware that nebulizers are available in extremely small, lightweight, battery-operated, & tubeless units such as the Omron MicroAir nebulizer. We can help you find the unit that’s right for you.
• Prepare a list of current medical conditions (including food & medication allergies) & medications.
• Prepare & pack sufficient quantities of prescription & over-the-counter medications including all back up medi-cations. Check expiration dates.
• Research accommodations. AllerPassMD (edited & analyzed by a board certified allergist provides listings and ratings for hotel rooms & staterooms) is one resource providing ratings on Indoor & Outdoor Allergens as well as Contactants (hair & body products.) Request smoke free rooms with air filters & dust mite proof bedding when booking your lodging.
• Research restaurants. Find food allergy aware restaurants using SafeFare (created by Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE))
• Research your vacation location regarding, air quality & environment, language, nearest medical facility, and pharmacy locations.
• Check your insurance policy regarding coverage and if applicable, purchase and review extra travel medical benefits.
• For those with severe allergy/anaphylaxis, consider purchasing an Allergy Medic Alert Bracelet. When engrav-ing, be as specific as possible in identifying your allergies.

During your trip:

• Carry your list of conditions, medications, and emergency medications everywhere you go.
• Avoid tobacco smoke exposure and always ask for smoke-free hotel room with air filter and dust mite proof bedding
• Use hand sanitizer and wash your hands frequently
• Know the closest emergency services or hospital locations

After Your Trip

• Visit your specialist for follow-up care if you experienced any allergic reactions, asthma flares, and/or anaphylaxis while traveling and if necessary make adjustments to your Action Plan.
• When unpacking, ensure you returned home with all your medications and refill medications as needed.
• Note what was successful and/or unsuccessful on this trip regarding your asthma, allergies and/or sinus problems. If applicable, write online review of restaurants and/or hotel accommodations to share your experiences with others who have allergies and asthma.

Traveling with Epinephrine (EpiPen)

• Visit your specialist if you require special documentation and to review your personal Action Plan
• When flying, request that your epinephrine be visually inspected, not scanned

  

• Always carry your epinephrine (do not pack in luggage which will be checked handled by others)
• Check the effective date of your epinephrine.
• Know the closest emergency services or hospital locations
  ▪ For more tips on traveling, visit https://www.epipen.com/have-a-plan/traveling.

Make an appointment to see an allergist – Why Choose Us?

The best way to fight your allergies & asthma is to visit a board certified allergist, learn what your allergies are, create a treatment plan, and adjust as needed. No two allergy & asthma sufferers are alike, so don’t rely on over the counter medications when you could be targeting your symptoms with the help of our allergy experts!  At The Asthma Center, we know that no two individuals are alike, and our goal is to personalize your treatment to help you find relief.  One way we accomplish this through identifying your allergies and specific levels of allergic sensitivity through allergy skin testing to help you plan your treatment. By following the local pollen counts, we are able to customize allergy regimens that prevent symptoms caused by taking too little, or too much allergy medication.

Did You Know – Pollen & Mold Spore Counts Direct to Your Inbox!

The Asthma Center’s daily Pollen and Mold Spore Count, the Delaware Valley’s only Official count station which is certified by the National Allergy Bureau are now available via email. Subscribe to receive our daily counts by email or check out some of our other blog posts to learn more about what is in the air, how it can affect you, and what you can do about it.