Getting Ready for Vacation

• To ensure a relaxing and enjoyable vacation, plan ahead for the changes in the environment that may affect your child's asthma.
• Be sure asthma is under good control before going on a vacation.
• Have an up to date Asthma Action Plan.
• Know your child's triggers. Will they be at the place you are going?

 

What Should be Packed for the Vacation?

• Your child's asthma medicines and spacers. Make sure they are clearly labeled.
• Have extra medicine or carry a copy of the prescription in case of loss.
• Your child's doctors contact information.
• Your child's Asthma Action Plan.

 

Tips for a Safe Vacation:

• If you are traveling, you may need more insurance to cover extra costs for care while on vacation.
• Check with the local insurance companies or travel agencies to buy extra insurance.
• Locate the nearest emergency department where you are staying in case your child has asthma problems.
• When traveling, keep asthma medicine with you rather than packed away in luggage.
• Wherever you travel, use asthma medicines at the same time each day.
• Educate other people your child may stay with about managing your child's asthma.

 

Controlling Triggers while on Vacation

• Keep windows closed and use air conditioning instead if your child has pollen or mold allergies.
• When staying at hotels, choose smoke free rooms.
• Check the hotel's pet policy. If you child has an allergy to pets, ask for a pet free room.
• If mold is a trigger, ask for a room away from indoor pools.
• If visiting relatives or friends, talk with them before the visit about your child's triggers & asthma.
• Going to a new place may mean exposure to new triggers. Watch for changes in your child's asthma.

 

Keeping your child's asthma under control is important at all times, not just for vacations.

 

Asthma Allie Says:

"Be prepared and have a great vacation!"

 

 The Children's Allergy & Asthma Education Centre © 2011