Traveling with Asthma – It matters where you stay!!

So I used to travel for work at least 10 days a month for years and back then, I didn’t have asthma but I did have allergies and it really matters where you stay.  As a person with asthma – it matters even more — to the point that YOU HAVE TO PAY ATTENTION.  A “non-smoking” room where someone just smoked and they sprayed febreeze (which seems to be something some hotels — even really nice hotels — thinks makes the smoke disappear) is a NO-GO.

When a few hotels in Las Vegas announced they were reopening as smoke free, I was THRILLED.   I like Las Vegas but it is VERY HARD for me to go there with all the smoking.  Between the dust and smoke and the very dry air (which is not always great for asthmatics despite what some people claim) it is a place that I can feel tortured.   So staying in a hotel where the WHOLE hotel is non-smoking sounds awesome.

So here are a couple to get you started.   MGM Grand is a new one.  Trump International has always been smoke free but has no casino.   Hilton Grand Vacations is smoke free and has a hefty penalty for those who break the rules.   I have actually stayed at 3 of the Hilton Grand Vacation properties in Las Vegas and they are all VERY NICE.   One is a bit far from everything but it is probably the nicest (way down by Circus Circus).

Remember the dry air can aggrevate asthma in some people.   Dry weather can aggravate asthma symptoms in a few different ways. One of the primary reasons is that dry air can cause the airways in the lungs to become irritated and inflamed. This can make it harder for someone with asthma to breathe, as their airways are already narrowed due to inflammation.

In addition to this, dry air can also cause the mucus membranes in the airways to become dry and more prone to irritation. This can lead to increased mucus production and a feeling of tightness in the chest, which are common symptoms of asthma.

Furthermore, during dry weather, there tends to be an increase in airborne allergens like pollen, mold, and dust. These allergens can trigger an asthma attack in people who are sensitive to them, causing inflammation and constriction of the airways.

Overall, if you have asthma, it’s important to take steps to manage your symptoms during dry weather, such as using a humidifier, staying indoors as much as possible, and taking your prescribed medications as directed by your doctor.

Remember when traveling to plan for the worst – including with your asthma.  Bring your medications but also your rescue inhaler — even if you rarely use it – and bring a copy of your prescription as well as your doctor’s phone number.  Just in case something happens and you need to get it filled.

It is also a good idea to wear a medic-alert bracelet and put your medications in a waterproof container and to keep it with you.  Last thing you need is to lose your bag.