Asthma and Allergies | How-Tos | Questions | News | Classes | Ordering | About the Centre | Links Asthma and Vacation Also in this Section: What is Asthma? Managing an Asthma Attack Working With Your Doctor Towards Asthma Control Care After a Hospital Stay Asthma and Children Under 3 Animal Allergies Smoking Molds Dust Mites Hay Fever Asthma Medicines Inhaled Steroids Asthma and Exercise Asthma and the Internet Asthma and Camp Asthma and School The Peak Flow Meter Asthma Action Plan Asthma Diary Asthma Diary for Children Under 3 Questions? Contact us Getting ready for vacation School holidays and vacations are an exciting time. Whether traveling far away or staying close to home, vacations take time to plan. Asthma should be part of the planning. Be sure asthma is under good control before leaving for a vacation. What is Asthma Control? No coughing at night or with physical activity. Using Reliever medicine no more than 3 times per week for asthma symptoms. No unplanned doctor or emergency visits for asthma. How to plan for an asthma-free vacation Even if you think your child’s asthma is under control, make an appointment with your child’s doctor to have a pre-vacation check up. Bring your child’s Asthma Action Plan, medicines and your questions. At the appointment your child’s doctor should: assess your child’s asthma control review and update the Asthma Action Plan review and refill your child’s asthma medicines answer your questions What should be packed for vacation? An up-to-date copy of your child’s Asthma Action Plan. Your child’s asthma medicines and devices such as a spacer or peak flow meter. Extra asthma medicine in case of loss. A written list of your child’s asthma triggers. Suggestions for a safe vacation If you are traveling, you may need more insurance to cover extra costs for care while on vacation. Check with local insurance companies or travel agencies to buy extra insurance. Locate the nearest emergency department where you are staying in case your child has asthma problems while on vacation. When traveling by plane carry your child’s asthma medicines in your carry-on luggage. Be sure the medicine is clearly labeled and in original containers. Find out what triggers your child may be exposed to while on vacation and take steps to avoid them. Wherever you travel, use asthma medicines at your usual time of day. Asthma Allie Says: Children with asthma should lead normal lives. Keeping your child’s asthma under control is important at all times not just for vacations. Children with asthma should be able to be active without asthma problems. Work together with your child’s doctor to control asthma. Learn as much as you can about asthma. Asthma can not be cured but, it can be controlled. Be prepared and have a great vacation! Control your asthma properly by making informed decisions. © 2004 The Children's Asthma Education Centre. No part of this document may be copied (either mechanically or electronically), altered or stored on any mechanical or electronic database without the prior written consent of The Children's Asthma Education Centre, a non-profit educational resource. This pamphlet is for information only and is not meant to replace physician advice.