With international travel off the cards for now, many of us will once again be hitting the road for Kiwi adventures this summer. Here are some tips to keep your asthma and allergies at bay while enjoying the warmer months.
1. Have a plan in place
Before you travel, make sure that you have an up-to-date asthma action plan. Having a self management plan helps you to identify when your symptoms are worsening and what to do when this happens. You can download a free asthma action plan on the Resources tab of the ARFNZ website – asthmafoundation.org.nz
2. Know your triggers
A trigger is something that makes your asthma symptoms flare up. Pollen and hot, humid weather can both be triggers, and both are more common in summer. If you know what your triggers are, you can try to avoid those things and reduce the chance of an asthma exacerbation.
If pollen is one of your triggers, it’s a good idea to stay indoors if the pollen count is high or if it’s very windy. You can also keep windows and doors closed to limit exposure.
3. Have your medication handy
Make sure you keep taking your asthma medication as prescribed while you’re on holiday, and always have your reliever inhaler on hand should you need it. Check you have enough medication to see you through the holiday period. This is especially important if you’re going away, as it may not be easy to access asthma medication if you need it suddenly.
4. Store your medication safely
Keep your medication in a cool, dry place that you can reach easily. Don’t leave it in direct sunlight or in the car, as this can cause it to overheat.
5. Stay cool
If heat triggers your asthma, stay indoors or somewhere cool
and drink plenty of water. Try to plan your outdoor activities for first thing in the morning or later in the day when it’s cooler.
6. Stay hydrated
While this tip may seem obvious, it’s so important to drink plenty of water and stay hydrated in the summer heat. Whether you’re making a pit stop in a rural town or driving long distances, we suggest you always keep a good supply of water with you.
