Traveling With a Chronic Disease

Worried that a chronic illness will keep you from enjoying that long-awaited vacation trip? “Most people with chronic conditions such as arthritis, diabetes or lung disease can travel comfortably and safely,” says infectious disease specialist Mark Knouse, M.D., of Lehigh Valley Hospital and Health Network.

“The key is to understand your condition and how to take care of yourself,” says his colleague, family medicine physician Jack Lenhart, M.D.

See your doctor

Go early. At least six weeks before your trip, get your doctor’s OK and advice. “Make a list of your medications, dosages and why you take them, and review it together,” Knouse says.

Get it in writing. “Ask your doctor for extra prescriptions and a letter explaining your need for treatments such as insulin injections,” Lenhart says.

Create an action plan. Ask your doctor how to make travel and time-zone adjustments to your medication schedule. Know what symptoms signal a problem and how to respond.

Talk about fitness. If you’ve been sedentary, ask your doctor about getting into the best physical shape you can, so you’ll have more energy to enjoy your vacation.

Discuss cabin pressure. If you have shortness of breath or lung disease, ask your doctor how to deal with lower airplane cabin pressure.

Do your homework

Make a list. Carry contact information (including emergency numbers) for your pharmacy and all your doctors.

Call your insurance company. See if you’ll be covered away from home (if not, ask about travel coverage) and how to reach them in an emergency.

Check out your destination. “Make a list of doctors and emergency departments at your destination in case you need medical attention,” Lenhart says.

Make advance plans for oxygen and wheelchairs. “Most airlines insist you use their supplemental oxygen while onboard,” Knouse says. “Call your airline several weeks in advance for oxygen or a wheelchair.”

Order a special meal. At least 24-48 hours in advance, you can order a low-salt or low-fat airline meal. Verify it the day before your flight.

Know how to pack

Store your medications properly. Keep any critical or temperature-sensitive medications (such as insulin) in your carry-on.

Wear your medical ID in case of emergency, says diabetes educator Mary Cipolle, of the hospital’s Helwig Health and Diabetes Center.

Bring extra medications and supplies. Pack at least twice as much as you think you’ll need, in case of accidental loss or flight delays.

Don’t rebottle. Carry drugs clearly labeled in their original containers.

Prepare for air travel

Prevent blood clots in your legs (deep-vein thrombosis, or DVT) by getting up and walking every hour during flights over eight hours. Consider wearing pressure stockings, and drink plenty of decaffeinated and nonalcoholic fluids.

Bring healthy snacks (sandwiches, granola bars, fruit) to stave off hunger or low blood sugar. Inflight meals are no longer routine, and airline snacks often aren’t healthy.

Prepare for security checks. Allow extra time if you’re carrying liquids or sharp objects for medical reasons or if you wear a pacemaker. (And remember that all carryon liquid, lotion and gel containers can’t exceed 3 ounces, and must fit into a 1-quart plastic bag.)

Want to Know More about medical ID bracelets, airline safety rules, finding a doctor abroad, inflight exercises or traveling with a child who has diabetes? Click above or call 610-402-CARE.

Published from Healthy You Magazine, September-October 2007

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