Tips of Traveling with Allergies and Asthma

Reference information:www.allergy.hk , www.hkallergy.org

By car
Common allergens such as mites and molds lurk in carpeting, upholstery and ventilation systems. If you have pollen or mold allergies, and are traveling by car, close your windows and turn on the air conditioning to "do not re-circulate" mode.

Outdoor air pollution can make your symptoms worse. If traveling by car, think about driving during early morning or late evening when the air quality is often better and you can avoid heavy traffic. Don't travel in a car with someone who is smoking. If you use a nebulizer for your asthma, get a portable nebulizer.

By plane
If you have food or pet allergies, you may benefit by checking airline policies before traveling. Some have "nut free" flights. Some allow pets to travel as passengers, others do not. Make sure to carry two doses of portable, injectable epinephrine, in case you have a severe allergic reaction while in flight.

If you have severe asthma or other respiratory illnesses, your physician may tell you to take supplemental oxygen. No one can be refused travel for needing supplemental oxygen; however, this has to be arranged in advance.

If you have sinusitis or an ear infection, the changes in air pressure in the plane could cause significant pain. If possible, try to delay your travel until your symptoms improve.

The air in planes is very dry. You will feel much more comfortable if you use saline nasal spray once every hour to keep the membranes in your nose moist.


The information aims to provide educational purpose only. Anyone reading it should consult physician before considering treatment and should not rely on the information above.