Traveling to Southern California in Winter
Hi. I’m new here. I was diagnosed with asthma in 2018 and haven’t traveled anywhere since 2019 when I had a bad asthma flare during a visit to northern California. I had to go on prednisone. With all of the wildfires and air pollution these days, I’m wondering how others travel to places like LA and San Diego? I’m hoping to go in winter but not sure how my asthma does in cold weather plus air pollution. It’s all new to me.
Thankfully the last few years I haven’t needed my rescue and I have been on montelukast. But the airplane does drain me and even short trips wear me out. Anyone else travel to places with poor air quality and any advice? Should I avoid the area all together or just plan on being indoors if the air quality gets poor while there?
I wanted to stop by and leave a note for you,
, Welcome! Thanks for sharing your experience and bringing up a shared concern many in our community ponder- to travel or not to travel with asthma. I have well-controlled asthma and have traveled out west just this last year. It was in the late summer so the cold air was not an issue. The pollution, as I kept an eye on the air quality forecast, was fairly low. But, I was prepared to do more indoor activities than outdoor should it be bad. Also, I brought a mask and meds, and knew exactly where the medical facilities were located nearby should I find I was having an asthma attack which gets out of control. Definitely bring your meds - inhalers (even though you state you haven't needed them lately) as well as your daily maintenance drug. You never know what could be a hidden or unknown trigger as you travel to new and exciting places. I will circle back around to see if others have shared their experiences. I hope your travels are prosperous. and Happy Holidays. Warmly - Rebecca (Community moderator)
