Travelling can be stress-free if you take a few precautions when it comes to your asthma, allergies or hay fever. Whether you’re travelling interstate or overseas, for work or holidays, it’s important to be prepared.

What you can do

Be prepared:

• Visit your doctor before your trip to make sure your asthma and allergies are under control when you leave. Tell your doctor where you’re going to find out if there are any precautions you should take.
• Check that your medical insurance covers your asthma and allergies
• Ask your doctor to give you a letter outlining the history and severity of your asthma, allergies and your treatment
• Always take your asthma action plan with you
• Take all the medication you need with you, plus some extra
• Carry your medication in your hand luggage and keep spares in your suitcase

Special situations:

• Travelling to high altitudes is normally okay if your asthma is well-managed
• Trekking, sightseeing or skiing should be problem-free but make sure your asthma is well-managed, you have your asthma action plan and plenty of medication
• People with asthma should not scuba dive

Travelling with allergies:

• If you have experienced anaphylaxis, make sure your self-administered adrenaline (EpiPen or AnaPen) and anaphylaxis action plan are up to date
• Try to find out if your destination could have an increased risk of exposure to allergens such as pollens or indoor pets
• Warn airlines or resorts of any food allergies or intolerances you have before you leave

Nebulisers:

• If you use a nebuliser, check that the destination has the right power outlets or buy a power point adaptor
• Ask your doctor about whether you could use another medication delivery system (such as a spacer) while you are away
• Ask the airline if you can use your nebuliser on the plane. They may want to inspect it before you leave
• Plan carefully when travelling to remote or rural locations