- Make a list of all your medications before you travel, and make sure you update it for your next trip. When you are packing you can refer to your list so you won’t wonder if you have forgotten anything.
- Bring ALL medications on the plane with you that you would need for at least 48 hours. You never know if the connecting flight will get cancelled and you will be stuck away from your destination and also away from your luggage. Also, consider what you would need if the airline loses your luggage. Can you get another supply from a national drugstore chain that has your prescriptions on file?
- Bring dust masks, just in case you encounter some allergens you don’t expect. You can even get a more heavy-duty mask that filters out smaller particles from chemical exposures.
- Anti-histamines – You should bring your normal anti-histamines, but also consider a more heavy-duty one, like Benadryl, in case you react to something. You will want to make sure you know how you react to Benadryl before you take it on a trip.
- If an Epi-Pen may help you in case of allergy and anaphalactic shock, then bring an Epi-Pen. You can check with the doctor to see if this would help in your type of allergies.
- If you have asthma, consider getting a portable nebulizer that operates on battery power. Don’t expect to use a regular nebulizer (one that plugs into an electrical outlet) on the plane. Planes are not equipped to handle regular plugs.
- If you have asthma, bring your peak-flow meter so you can see if you are just stressing from the travel or if you are really having problems breathing.
- Your own pillows, or at least allergen-barrier pillow encasings.
- Bring a snack to keep your energy up in case there is no food available where you are going. Also, bring some water so you can take your medicine as well as keep hydrated.
- Write down an “emergency plan” and keep it handy. This plan will include all the names, phone numbers, medications, etc. you will need in case of emergency. Since you will be frazzled from travel, you may forget some of the key things you need to do when you are having real troubles.
GET AN EMERGENCY PLAN:
Have a plan for what you will do if you are having allergic reactions. If your reactions are not severe, you may be able wait patiently until they pass. If you have more serious reactions, you should be able to take care of yourself while you are on the plane, and be able to get medical help when you land.
Do you know which hospitals or doctors you can go to if you are feeling ill? If you have health insurance, check with your insurance company before you leave to see if there are any providers at your destination. You should bring your insurance card with you when you travel. If you don’t have health insurance available to you at your destination, consider temporary health insurance just for the trip.
You can discuss an “emergency plan” with your health provider before you leave for your trip. You should write it down since if you are having a problem when you travel, you will be less likely to remember what you need to do.
