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"See the world. It's more fantastic than any dream made or paid for in factories," quotes the famous author, Ray Bradbury, in his influential book Fahrenheit 451. However, if you are among the people who have pre-existing medical conditions, such as asthma and allergies, then you may have trepidations about travelling abroad. Although it's only natural to fear for your safety, your condition should not stop you from pursuing your dreams of travelling the world. To help set your mind at ease and enjoy your travel abroad, read these essential travel tips for people with pre-existing medical conditions. Before Your TravelYour medical condition should not keep you from travelling abroad. All you need to know is learn and understand how your body reacts to certain food intake and environmental condition. Before your planned trip, make sure that your asthma or allergy is controlled. You also need to visit your physician and ask for advice to help you prepare a possible change of treatment that co-relate to your travel destination. Additionally, follow the schedule of your usual treatment even while you are travelling and ask your doctor for the DCI (common internal name) of the medicine that you are taking. By doing this, you will have an easier time to look for it in your travel destination, in case you need it. Furthermore, don't forget to bring a first aid kit that contains your prescribed medicines (e.g., antihistamines, corticoids, and asthma sprays). If you are travelling by boat or plane, you may need to pass through security; hence, keep your medications in their original packaging and put it in your hand carry bag in case you need it from time to time. During Your TripBy AirplaneIf you are travelling by plane, you need to know that the air inside the cabin is cold and dry. This condition can trigger an asthma attack. Hence, as a precautionary measure, be sure to hydrate yourself by drinking enough water (i.e., drink a litre of water every four hours). Also, use saline nasal spray every hour to keep the membranes in your nose moist. Additionally, carry two doses of portable, injectable epinephrine, in case you have a severe allergic reaction during your plane ride.By CarIf you are travelling by car, close the windows to avoid pollen or mould allergies. The best time to be on the road is during early morning or late evening when the air is better. Also, don't travel with someone who is smoking. If possible, bring a portable nebulizer for your asthma. At Your DestinationThe Sun If your travel destination is a tropical island, then be aware about the allergy caused by sun exposure. The ultraviolet rays can be hazardous to your skin, causing the onset of burns and irritations. As a preventive measure, apply a sunscreen protection lotion, wear a wide-brimmed hat and use an umbrella to protect your skin from sun damage. In addition, avoid having long walks during the hottest part of the day (that is, between 12 noon to 3 in the afternoon) and exposing yourself under the hot and humid air. The Food Food allergy can cause a serious problem when not treated urgently. So, if you have a history of food allergy (e.g., nut allergy, seafood allergy, and egg allergy), then be cautious with the food you eat while on your vacation. If possible, read the labels on the food packaging, or look at the ingredients of the menu being served, to have an idea of its content before eating.Bottom LineTo ensure your safety while travelling abroad, follow the aforementioned travel tips to help you prevent the onset of allergies or asthma attack. Also, if you want to increase the level of protection during your vacation, then purchase a travel insurance that covers pre-existing medical conditions, such as allergies and asthma attack. Some travel insurance in Singapore offers pre-existing medical conditions so that if you fall ill during your vacation, then your health care costs will be covered. By purchasing the best travel insurance, you will have the peace of mind knowing that everything will be covered should emergencies occur while travelling abroad.
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