Dr. Bassett’s Traveling with Allergies Survival Kit
1. Tips for Seasonal and Indoor Allergies
- Plan ahead, bring all allergy and asthma medications
- Sunglasses block out pollens (especially on windy days)
- Wash Wisely: Shampoo your hair nightly and avoid hair “gels” that trap pollens and gently irrigate your eyelids with mild, tear free shampoo after outdoors
- Take allergen pillow encasing with you
- Check out pollen count and forecast before you travel – know peak pollen season wherever you travel to prevent symptoms
- Exercise indoors or avoid early morning when pollen levels are typically higher [windy days are associated with highest pollen levels]
- By the “sea”: Pollen levels are generally lower by a beach, river or lake, or any body of water or the mountains as dust mites won’t thrive above higher elevations about 2,500 feet
- Pack your medications in “original” labeled bottles and containers – keep on “carry on” and not luggage, in case of loss or theft
- If traveling by car, roll up windows and use the air-conditioner on “do not recirculate”
- Call your hotel and see if they have “green” allergy friendly room, get a NO SMOKING room, request wood, tile or vinyl floors in lieu of “carpeted” rooms
- Request a NO SMOKING rental car, whenever possible
- Keep nasal saline with you on longer flights to keep your nose moist
2. Tips for Traveling with Asthma
- Always keep your “rescue” medications in your carry on, not your checked bag
- Travel with an anti-allergen pillow cover if you have indoor allergies
- Avoid sitting near a passenger with “strong perfumes” whenever possible
- Inform the airline staff if you have pet induced asthma to avoid any surprises if a passenger is traveling with their pet(s) [up to 20% of those with asthma have pet allergies]
- Keep your health care provider/allergist’s telephone contact information and list of all medications with you before you travel
- Check with your doctor if you will be traveling to areas above 5,000 feet
- Continue to take your daily medications on a regular basis, “asthma doesn’t go on vacation”
- Traveling during early morning hours when air pollution is often less of a problem
3. Tips for Food Allergy Sufferers
- Keep safe food and snacks with you, especially if you encounter delays during traveling (keep in your “carry on”)
- Call ahead to airline to learn of their policies if you have a family member with peanut or nut allergies, to reduce risk
- Bring wipes for tray table and surrounding areas if airline/train serves peanuts or other foods that you are allergic to – again to avoid unpleasant and dangerous situations
- Learn how to read food ingredient labels (Be a label detective), when in doubt throw it out
- Bring foods for first day’s meals
- Carry a “chef card” or food allergen restaurant ingredient list of items you need to AVOID
- Be aware of “cross contamination” of food allergens in restaurant and while traveling
- Plan all meals ahead of time
- Wear an “medical identification” bracelet or keep a “wallet” card listing food allergens
- Make sure you are traveling with an epinephrine auto injector if one has been prescribed for life threatening food allergic reactions
- Be aware of the early signs of a food allergic reaction
4. Tips for Skin Allergies
- Travel with “allergy friendly” pillow and mattress covers
- Travel with hypoallergenic soaps, sunscreen, moisturizers and “fragrance free” detergents, etc
- Call ahead to hotel and request “green” rooms with less scented cleaning products
- Bring prescription and otc medications for “poison ivy” and other allergic skin conditions, e.g. eczema that can flare with changes in climate and conditions
