Our Top Tips to Help Your Child Avoid Asthma Flare-ups on Vacation

Traveling can be exciting and involve schedule changes, which can aggravate your child’s asthma and make a vacation challenging.

At Primary Care Walk-In Clinic, we specialize in diagnosing and treating asthma and other respiratory issues. We also provide comprehensive allergy testing to identify allergens that play a role in asthma flare-ups.

Our highly skilled medical team can help you and your child prepare for your next trip with medications and other strategies to prevent breathing-related problems. 

Here, we outline our top tips to follow as part of an asthma prevention plan:

1. Familiarize your family with an asthma action plan

Ahead of your travel dates, spend time creating and reviewing an asthma action plan.

This is a written plan to keep on hand that outlines what you, your child, and other family members should do to prevent asthma flare-ups. The plan should also detail how to handle an asthma attack when away from home.

2. Refresh an asthma preparedness kit

An asthma preparedness kit should contain everything your child needs to prevent and manage an asthma attack. Be sure to pack a quick-action asthma inhaler and a long-term asthma control medication.

If your child suffers severe asthma attacks, keep a nebulizer on hand for needed breathing treatments.

3. Be mindful during car travel

Hitting the open road with the windows open can spell trouble for kids with asthma.

If pollen counts are high or you’re traveling through cities with significant air pollution, keep the windows closed and use the air conditioner.

4. Stay hydrated during air travel

The air quality in planes can be dry and irritating to your child’s respiratory system.

Ensure they drink plenty of water throughout the flight. Keep a fast-acting inhaler on hand to address wheezing or a cough.

5. Stay aware of asthma and allergy triggers throughout your vacation

The differences between weather, air quality, and environments at home and your vacation spot can worsen your child’s asthma.

Check the weather in advance and monitor pollen counts in the areas where you’ll be staying. Plan to stay indoors with the windows closed on days when pollen counts are high. If possible, regularly vacuum and dust the room your child sleeps in.

If you’re staying in a hotel or vacation home, ask about the pet policies and request a room that’s not exposed to pet dander.

6. Plan activities wisely

There are many activities a child with asthma can do safely, but be sure to plan ahead with their triggers in mind. For instance, if you’re going camping, create a smoke-free zone for your child to hang out in that keeps them away from the fire smoke.

Be prepared for asthma flare-ups during a hike or other outdoor adventure. If your child’s asthma is severe, it may be wise to bring along a responsible person who can stay home with your child during strenuous physical activities.

7. Schedule a checkup

If you’re worried about an asthma flare-up, bring your child into the Primary Care Walk-In Clinic for a checkup before heading out. 

We can review your asthma preparedness kit and ensure your child has what they need to stay healthy throughout your vacation so you can stay focused on creating great memories. 

Call the Primary Care Walk-In Clinic near you today to schedule an asthma checkup or book an appointment online. You can also visit on a walk-in basis for urgent asthma treatment.