Flying with severe asthma

[Emily-G]

Hi - I have an amazing chance to go for a very exciting (for me) day out but to get there I would have to take a short flight on my own. I haven’t flown recently at all and my last few flights have been tricky for my asthma. Since then my asthma has got much worse and I’ve been reacting to more and more things. I have a travel nebuliser and epipens I could use (but no idea how to go about getting them on the plane in hand luggage) and I am worried how I get through the airport at the other end if my asthma blows up on me...

Any tips for flying alone with severe persistent asthma and multiple allergies? I feel like such a baby worrying about a short flight. Xxx

[emmasue]

Hi Emily, I have never had difficulty flying with my inhalers and asthma medication. I made sure to put them all in a zip-lock bag so that they could be easily seen. I also made sure to include the prescriptions just in case, though I don't think it's ever been an issue. I usually fly to New York because I have family in America. I did once have an asthma attack on a plane. My inhaler was in the overhead compartment, but there was turbulence at the time. I got my inhaler down and the stewardess told me off. So now I make sure I keep my inhaler with me and don't put it in the overhead compartment. I've not had to bring a nebuliser before. You might check with the airline to see if they have facilities to use it on the plane. I'm sure they will be accommodating, but it's good to check. Otherwise, I hope you have a good time.

[Lysistrata Administrator Community Ambassador]

Hi Emily, my asthma also hates planes! I am still resistant to using special assistance but honestly I think it would help me given all the walking you can end up with - I really struggle after the descent with the pressure change, and then having to walk off the plane and get luggage is so hard.

I have done special assistance with a friend who has severe asthma (and kind of taken advantage of her rides on the buggy things...). Day to day she has control with Xolair but struggles at airports.

She calls the airline in advance and tells them what she needs ie wheelchair provided by them to take her to the plane and off again, and help with luggage before and after the flight. She also gets a luggage allowance for medical equipment including a neb, though she needs a letter from her hospital saying she needs it - would advise you get one of those asap, but maybe worth calling the airline first to see what they provide and any requirements they have. She also has a little portable neb that can be used in the cabin if needed. I find I just take all my meds in hand luggage and it's fine. I even took hypodermic needles for my hydrocortisone last time and they didn't actually ask to see my letter for them, though was very good to have.

Hope this helps and good luck! Hope you enjoy the day and flight goes ok.

[RSKi]

Hello Emily,

I travel / fly frequently with asthma and never had a problem with airport security and inhalers, just put them in a clear bag as you go through. The Epipen make need a little more planning, my Mum needed them for reactions to stings and had a paper prescription for them with her as well as a doctors note stating that they must be with her at all times - she used to travel to see my sister frequently and never had an issue. Keep your meds in the seat pocket in front of you, sticking out so they don't get forgotten. I always have an aisle seat so I don't feel trapped in and if you can walk about a little and keep you lungs moving!. Avoid alcohol at all times, the altitude makes it seem stronger and triggers my attacks. Do ask for help at the airports both ends (contact the airport/airline in good time), it is there as a service for us to use and it will help you to relax that you won't be struggling. Lastly, have a lovely special trip away, enjoy!

[Spikedog66]

Go girl and have a fabulous time, take your inhalers in your hand bag in the plastic bag required and carry your neb too. Just let the airline know and you can inform airport about your epipen you will have no problems. I have just come back from Krakow no problems and off to Iceland in October. Take everything you think you might need I have asthma and copd and have a lot of travelling to do yet. Have a big bucket list!!!! You can get special assistance if you need help to carry your nebulizer just ask airport before you travel. Have a fantastic time and stop worrying there is always an answer.😊😊

[Lucy_Lou]

I have an alternative view. I was told I could not fly when my asthma was bad, that the risk was too great. I was poorly at the time. I think you should talk to your consultant/GP, especially if flights have been tricky for you before.

Good luck

[Lizzie1956]

It's not the actual flying that seems to poleaxe me, it's the flipping bugs I seem to pick up!!! Flying again this week - so fingers crossed this time may be different,

L x

[Robin77 in reply to Lizzie1956]

Mask? With filter, not the flimsy ones?