All travel is possible for lung patients, provided they plan for it well!
Before the Trip….
Plan your location
Choose warm weathers
Check altitude & terrain
Check accessibility
For international travel, check vaccination requirements of the country
BEFORE BEGINNING ….
Get your doctor’s approval
Start planning several weeks in advance. Avoid stressful last-minute situations. Refill prescriptions & obtain any necessary medical documents from your physician
Contact your oxygen provider, if on oxygen. Enquire about oxygen suppliers at the destination area & keep their contacts close
Make detailed packing lists
Double check your bag after packing to check for essentials
Carry comfort aids like pillows
Medications should be easily accessible
Pack emergency medications in a carry-on bag. This includes pain medications and inhalers
Choose proper accommodations suited to your requirements. Check for facilities like stair free access, wheelchair availability etc.
Carry sanitisers, masks, hand wash. Protect yourself from additional infections
Carry warm clothes, scarves etc. to protect yourself from cold
Wear comfortable clothes in travel
Keep a bottle of water handy. Keep yourself well hydrated
Keep a list of emergency contacts with you at all times
FOR PATIENTS ON OXYGEN ….
In addition to the general instructions, make sure you take note of these…
Contact your oxygen provider, if on oxygen
Enquire about oxygen suppliers at the destination area & keep their contacts close
While choosing accommodations, make sure they have extra sockets to plug oxygen
Check whether accommodations have a strong backup in case of power outage
Carry extra oxygen tubes. Make sure your oxygen concentrator is serviced & clean
Carry oxygen apparatus
If carrying a portable oxygen concentrator, carry extra batteries, keep them handy
Carry enough batteries to last you for the entire travel journey & 1.30 hours extra
Double check your bag after packing to check for essentials
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