Many patients often find it challenging to travel safely to their local market or worldwide. Although having a breathing issue may be challenging initially, you should not let it prevent you from traveling safely and comfortably. Travel supplies and equipment will become second nature once you get into a routine with them.
Here are a few essential tips about supplies and preparing for long-range or local travel. We have broken this process into three easy categories: supplies to travel, general travel, and long-distance travel.
Supplies you will need for traveling.
Making a checklist of supplies to take with you is a great way to make traveling easier. Doing so will not worry about forgetting what you need when you prepare to leave. You may use the following list as a checklist, but if you need anything else, feel free to add it.
There may not be a need for everything on this supply list if you're going to the neighborhood market. Any traveler can start here, however:
Portable oxygen concentrator
Supplemental oxygen users should take this seriously. When using oxygen tanks intermittently, it is a good idea to ensure that your tank delivers flow correctly and that the pressure is sufficient.
Medications
Keep your medications in a pillbox and bring any inhalers you might need along on a long trip. Keep your rescue inhaler with you always if you feel short of breath. Carry them in a separate or ziplock bag to make it easier to find your medications when needed.
Nasal cannula
It is easy to forget your nasal cannula in a hurry. However, if you don't have it, you won't be able to get oxygen from your tank or concentrator. Please always keep your nasal cannula in your portable oxygen concentrator bag or hang it on your oxygen tank to remind yourself to bring it.
Batteries
Having a few extra batteries on hand is a good idea if you use a portable oxygen concentrator. If you get stuck without a power supply, you'll be able to keep going until you find a power source. Charge your batteries fully before you leave.
Backup supplies
It is common for things to get lost or broken at the worst possible time. For this reason, we recommend taking a backup supply to avoid dealing with faulty equipment. Batteries, tubing and cannulas, extra tank regulators, oxygen tank keys, and extra tank keys could all go here.
General travel tips for people with COPD
Regardless of where you are, it would help if you keep these tips in mind:
Be mindful of the weather.
COPD can worsen with weather changes. Taking warm clothing is essential if you are traveling to a cold destination. A scarf will help warm the air you breathe by covering your nose and mouth.
Stay hydrated by bringing extra water when it's hot outside, and wear light clothing to stay cool.
Learn the air quality.
Consider your destination's air quality before you travel. You might consider planning your trip to favor indoor activities if the air quality in your destination is poor. To protect your lungs from pollution, take a few surgical face masks if you need to be outside.
Bring Hand Sanitizer
Prevention of infection begins with keeping your hands clean. You can find germs on every surface, including surfaces around the gas pump and airport terminals. Traveling healthy is to carry a portable hand sanitizer and use it frequently.
Stay up to date with vaccinations.
Are you traveling to a country with many known communicable diseases? Please inform your doctor so they can make sure you're up-to-date on your vaccinations and flu shots. A great website for preparing for travel and medical needs is available by the Center for Disease Control (CDC).
Request smoke-free environments
When booking a hotel, you should request a non-smoking room, so you don't breathe in smoke particles.
Travel with someone
You might not be able to travel long distances alone, but consider traveling with someone. An emergency can become easier if you have a companion with you.
Consider having at least one or two contact points that can provide details regarding your trip if this is not feasible. Medical and travel information should be available to these people in case of an emergency or problem.
Tips for long-term travel with COPD
It would help if you considered certain factors when traveling for an extended period:
Call travel providers ahead of time.
It is prudent to inquire ahead of time about accommodations and medical equipment requirements from your airline, hotel, or cruise line.
As a passenger, you do not want to discover you have overlooked some essential requirements when checking in or at the airport. It is easy to meet the needs of many airlines by selecting an oxygen concentrator from a pre-approved list available online.
Don't travel long distances without enough oxygen and power.
You will need enough oxygen when traveling long distances, whether taking a road trip or flying. For example, you may need to gather extra oxygen tanks or ensure your oxygen concentrator has enough battery power to cover the distance.
Pulse-dose systems for tanks and concentrators should be used if you do not need continuous oxygen flow. Finally, if your concentrator lacks enough battery power for a long flight, you may need to ask the airline for power.
Consider the altitude
Before you do anything physically demanding at your destination, you might need to acclimate to the altitude during the first day or two. Your body can adjust to the altitude by consuming less oxygen at first.
Carry medical documentation
Travel providers may require a note from your doctor authorizing you to travel. Ensure that the message is ready if necessary. If you need to refill your prescriptions at your destination, you should bring copies of your medication prescriptions. Lastly, ask your insurance company if your goal is covered.
Arrive early
Travel-related delays inevitably occur, especially when checking medical equipment. Ensure you arrive early enough to clear your equipment and medical needs before boarding your flight or cruise.
Furthermore, you should keep the frequently used medical items instead of checking them in with your luggage. Keep essentials with you in case of travel delays or lost luggage, such as your prescriptions and concentrator charger.
Availability of medical care
Avoiding an emergency requires preparation. In any case, emergencies happen, and we should also prepare for them. If you need their services, you should check for available hospitals and clinics at your destination.
Bottom line
A little planning and preparation can make traveling with COPD stress-free and enjoyable. Having a safe and enjoyable trip with COPD is always possible, and you should always feel confident about it.