Thanksgiving travel often means leaving the mild Florida weather for new and unpredictable environments. For those with allergies and asthma, this annual trip can be a source of anxiety.
The physicians at Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Associates of Tampa Bay understand that leaving a controlled home environment for a relative’s house, a hotel, or a long car ride introduces a host of potential triggers that can quickly disrupt holiday plans.
Why Travel Triggers Symptoms
A sudden flare-up while traveling is often due to a combination of new exposures. Understanding these triggers is key to preventing them.
- Unfamiliar Environments: A guest room that is rarely used can be high in dust mites and hidden mold. Even if a family pet is kept away, its dander can be present throughout the house.
- Airborne Irritants: The dry, recycled air on an airplane can irritate the airways. Long car rides can expose passengers to traffic pollution and pollen from different regions. A sudden drop in temperature at your destination can also be a potent asthma trigger.
- Hidden Food Allergens: A busy Thanksgiving kitchen is a prime spot for cross-contamination. Well-meaning hosts may not be aware of hidden ingredients, like wheat in gravy or soy in a self-basting turkey.
- The Stress Factor: The simple stress of traveling can weaken the immune system’s defenses, making a person more susceptible to their usual triggers.
A Proactive Thanksgiving Travel Plan
A little preparation can make a significant difference in managing symptoms while away from home.
- Pack a Medication Go-Bag: All essential medications, including inhalers, antihistamines, and epinephrine auto-injectors, should be packed in a carry-on bag, never in checked luggage. Include a copy of any asthma action plans.
- Prepare Your Lodging: Pack an allergy-proof pillowcase to create a safe sleeping space. A polite request to your host to dust and vacuum the guest room a day before your arrival can be very helpful.
- Communicate About Food: Inform your host about any severe food allergies well in advance. Offering to bring a safe dish to share is a great way to ensure there is something you can eat without worry.
- Control Your Immediate Air: When driving, use the car’s recycled air setting to reduce exposure to outside allergens. A small, portable air purifier can also be a valuable tool for the bedroom.
When a Host’s Home Isn’t Your Own
Despite careful planning, travelers cannot control every aspect of a new environment. It is impossible to deep-clean a relative’s entire house or monitor a busy kitchen for cross-contamination. If holiday travel is defined more by the fear of a reaction than by enjoying time with family, it is a sign that a more robust management strategy is needed.
Travel with Confidence This Holiday
Before you travel, a board-certified allergist can review your action plan, update prescriptions, and provide personalized advice for your specific triggers. Since 1973, Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Associates of Tampa Bay has helped local families manage their conditions, whether at home or on the road. Comprehensive testing and treatment plans can provide the long-term stability needed to travel with less worry.
Enjoy this Thanksgiving with confidence. Call (813) 971-9743 to schedule an appointment and prepare for a safe and happy holiday.
