Planning a trip is stressful for everyone. Food allergy sufferers are likely to be anxious moving away from their homes. However, with some the proper planning and preparation you will be able to take pleasure in your travels while remaining secure.
How Can I Prepare for Travel?
The best method to increase confidence and relax is to plan and research your trip carefully. Make a plan. You are already familiar with how to handle your food sensitivities — you practice it daily. Strategies that can help you manage your home life can be applied effectively on travels too.
Do not try to put your worries away take them as a way to help you prepare for the kind of scenarios you could encounter in a new location.
Consider how you can manage these situations. Discuss your concerns with your family and friends who will accompany you on the journey. They can not only assist you in avoiding dangerous situations, but they also can provide emotional support.
If anyone different than the family members or you (like an instructor or a your friend’s parent) is coordinating your trip, ensure the person in charge is aware of the requirements you have. Make sure the person is knowledgeable about food allergies so that they can look for your needs.
Plan ahead to allow you to feel less stressed about what can happen and be more enthusiastic about the journey ahead. Begin a couple of weeks to a full month before the date by creating an organized to-do-list.
- Pick a place you want to go. For those with food allergies, choosing the right destination may require more consideration. It is important to ensure that there are safe areas for food and that there’s an emergency room nearby could be a factor in the decision.
- Review for prescriptions. Discuss travel plans prior to departure with your allergist in order to make certain you’re carrying all the medications you require including antihistamines and injectors of epinephrine. Do not plan on relying on local pharmacies to fill your prescriptions. Your medications aren’t the same across the world. It is better to take your medications with you. If your insurance provider or pharmacy has a limit on the amount of a prescription you are able to fill at one time A note from a physician that explains the situation could allow some exceptions to the rules. If you’re travelling by plane and train might need to ask your physician to sign a note allowing you to take your medication to avoid delays or confusion when you check-point security.
- Find local medical facilities and hospitals. Before you go look up where the nearest emergency medical assistance is available and the time it will take to reach it. In this way, should you require medical attention in an emergency you’ll be aware of your options.
- Find out about the grocery stores, restaurants and lodging. Well ahead of your trip, you should know the supermarkets (if there are any) in your area carry items to be safe, and which establishments appear to be “allergy-aware,” and which hotels have rooms equipped with kitchens. Groups of support and internet websites can be extremely beneficial, regardless of whether you’re traveling in the United States or abroad.
- If you’re planning to travel overseas and are fluent in the local language you’re in, speak directly to restaurants, food stores and hotel managers. If you’re having difficulty speaking the language or you require more information, seek assistance from organizations that deal with food allergies or travelers’ agents and trip planners or your own local family and friends. Write down your questions prior to making calls and make careful notes.
- Learn about the transportation. If you’re sharing in a car, make sure you inform your travel companions know of the food allergies you have. If you’re travelling by bus, train or plane, learn about their policies and procedures. Do they offer foods that have ingredients that such as those you’re allergic? Do you have to board before you cleanse your surroundings?
- For travel on the air look up airlines in advance. Some airlines are more accommodating than others with respect with food allergy issues. Contact them and discuss your requirements prior to booking your flight. You may request an appropriate snack and take your own food with you to be prepared. As you board, be sure to inform the crew members of your specific requirements. If it makes you feel more relaxed request that they notify any other passengers in the vicinity of your allergies.
- Make sure you have enough medicine. Place your medication in your luggage for carry-on to make them easily accessible. Keep your emergency food allergy strategy in the bag. It must be signed by the physician and should include the allergy you are suffering from and the treatment you require. Pack and wrap your medication carefully to make sure they don’t get broken or leak.
- Keep hand wipes in your bag. Make sure you wash your hands clean often. Keep them out of your nose, mouth as well as your eyes, to avoid any accidental contacts with allergens. While traveling, you shouldn’t be sure that you’ll have access to soap or running water. A supply of hand sanitizers guarantees that you have the ability to clean your hands and wipe the seating areas of trains, planes buses, trains, and other modes of transport where contact with allergens and dust is likely.
- Take food items that are safe. If you are able, bring enough food that is safe to get you until at least the start of your journey. Of course, the amount you take will be contingent on the destination you’re planning to visit and the length of time you’ll be travelling for In an area where it’s not possible to buy or purchase safe food items, stock with your food supplies. If you’re somewhere that you can purchase and cook what you require take less. If you’re planning to travel abroad, you might not be able read labels in local supermarkets. Be sure to check what you’re allowed to bring into the country you’re traveling to as there could be some restrictions.
- Make others aware of your allergies. It’s a good idea to wear an ID medical bracelet whenever you travel so that you can receive medical assistance in an emergency should you require it. It is also a good idea to carry the medical release form completed by your physician, which permits others to offer your emergency medications for example, epinephrine.
- If you are planning to dine at a restaurant, you should carry a personalized “chef card. These cards list your food allergies and assist cooks learn how to prepare an appropriate meal for you. Forms for chefs are readily accessible, in a variety of languages, via web sites that cater to food-related allergies. The card isn’t an alternative to direct contact. It’s better to speak directly to your waiter or perhaps the chef if you’re at.
Be alert, take precautions and carrying medication are all part of everyday life for anyone with an allergy to certain foods. Once you’ve experienced it at least once travelling with food-related allergies will seem like a routine. In the next few days, you’ll realize how adept you are in taking care of yourself.
First Aid: Allergic Reactions
Allergies can be caused by medicines, foods and insects, pets as well as pollen and other things. The majority of allergic reactions don’t pose a risk. However, serious reactions could be life-threatening, and require medical attention immediately.
Signs and Symptoms
Mild:
- Itching
- skin redness
- small swelling
- stuffy, runny nose
- Snorting
- eyelids that are itchy and watery
- Red bumps ( hives) anyplace on the body
Severe:
- mouth swelling or tongue
- difficulties swallowing or difficulty speaking
- trouble breathing or wheezing
- nausea, stomach pain vomiting, diarrhea
- fainting or dizziness
What to Do
- See a doctor if you child is experiencing the symptoms of an allergy that’s not mild or is causing concern for you.
- If the symptoms aren’t severe you can administer an antihistamine through the mouth, such as diphenhydramine (such as Benadryl).
- If your symptoms are serious and you are using injection-able Epinephrine (such such as the EpiPen) take the medication as directed immediately and contact 911 for medical emergency assistance.
Think Prevention!
Make sure your children aren’t exposed to any food that they are allergic to Keep an antihistamine for oral use.
If your child is suffering from an allergy that is severe or has suffered a serious reaction, ensure that injectable epinephrine you can use is available in all times (including in the classroom). Your child, you (if is old enough) as well as anyone else that cares for your child should know how to utilize it.
Reviewed by Larissa Hirsch MD
