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Allied Health: Articles of Interest

Allergies and asthma never take a holiday
By Jan Tippett, RN, AE-C

The holiday season is approaching, but allergies and asthma never take a holiday. It is a time for family vacations, travel, and visiting friends and relatives. Although the change of environment that comes with holiday travel is often welcome, it also increases the risk for patients with allergic disease of exposure to allergens and irritants that can trigger allergy and asthma exacerbations. Family and friends’ homes, hotels, airplanes, different weather conditions and outdoor environments can all contain asthma triggers that may not be present in one’s own home.

Common indoor and outdoor triggers could include wood smoke, cigarette smoke, burning candles, animal dander, heavily scented perfumes, or even the scent of a Christmas tree or other indoor holiday plants. There is also increased chance of exposure to colds and flu when groups of people gather together to enjoy the holidays.

Food allergies can also present a problem for the food allergic patient, with exposure to all the delightful traditional foods that are present during the holiday season. Creative cooking for the season often includes surprise ingredients such as nuts or eggs.

In addition, airline travel can also pose a problem for the allergy or asthma patient. Flights can expose the traveler to animal dander brought on by other passengers’ clothing or by accompanying pets. The recycled air on planes can also dry the mucous membranes and lead to increased nasal congestion and coughing.

Preparing for the holidays with prevention in mind can help ease the stress of the season for individuals and their families, with allergies and asthma.

Plan ahead:

  • If you are traveling, make a detailed list of medications showing prescription refill number, prescribing care provider and dosage.

  • Pack your asthma care plan. Your plan should also include an emergency plan.

  • Pack the needed quantities of medications and if possible, also pack a backup quantity to avoid being caught short. Make sure inhalers contain adequate doses to cover time away from home.

  • Pack your medications in a carry-on bag.

  • If someone in your family has a history of anaphylaxis to stinging insects or foods, be sure to bring along an EpiPen®.

  • When making hotel reservations, always request non-smoking rooms. If you or your family members are allergic to animal dander, check to make sure your hotel is pet free.

  • When visiting relatives or friends, call ahead to let them know about your severe allergies to animals or foods.

  • Avoid persons who are ill with colds and/or flu. Wash your hands frequently, especially before eating and drinking. Carrying pre-packaged hand washing solution with you is a very effective way to wash your hands when a bathroom is not easily accessible.

  • Remember to get plenty of rest, drink lots of water and try to eat balanced meals.

Holidays are a wonderful time of year. Although allergies and asthma do not take a holiday, even those who suffer from allergic disease can enjoy this joyous time of year with a little pre-planning and prevention.

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