If you have COPD, travel may seem to be a thing of the past. But it doesn't have to be that way. While a last minute trip may not be possible, a well-planned one is doable. Whether you plan on taking a car trip with a destination close to home, a flight, or a cruise on the other side of the world, you can make it happen – if you give yourself plenty of time to plan ahead.

If you follow these suggestions, you’ll be well on your way to having a healthy and easy-breathing getaway. This is by no means a complete list of travel tips for COPD, but just a start. As you plan your getaway check with people at your breathing support group (local or online); ask your home care or oxygen provider; and learn from friends at pulmonary rehab.

Talk With Your Doctor
The first thing you have to do is to be sure you’re healthy enough to travel away from home.

Follow the plan you’ve already made with your doctor about what to do in case of emergency.

If you’re going away for an extended period of time, say, a month or more, you may need a referral to a pulmonary doctor at your destination. Folks who participate in pulmonary rehab near their seasonal homes are often required by those programs to have a local doctor.

Know the location of the nearest hospital emergency department. This is just a precaution, and probably won't be needed at all.

If you’ll be visiting a region with a significantly different altitude and / or climate than you’re used to, ask your doctor how it might affect your breathing. Then take the steps necessary to make sure you’ll still be able to breathe well.

Medications
Obtain whatever prescriptions you need for the entire time you’ll be gone – with a couple days extra in case of a travel delay. This should include one for an antibiotic and another for oral prednisone in case of an exacerbation.
If you must fill prescriptions while you travel, working with a nation-wide pharmacy will make this easy.

Carry with you copies of your prescriptions as well as a complete list of all the medicines you’re on: Name of medicine, dose, and how often you’re supposed to take it.

Even if you don’t routinely use a rescue inhaler make sure you have one (with holding chamber) handy. Make sure it works properly and has enough puffs for eight per day for as many days as you’ll be gone.

Keep your medications as well as the paperwork with you, within reach, at all times – in a purse, a backpack or tote. Never put them in your checked baggage!

Health Insurance
If you have health insurance other than Medicare, check for coverage in that area.

As you go…

Keep hand sanitizer at hand.
Drink plenty of water.
Stretch your arms and legs at least every hour or two. This will help you avoid painful cramps – and life-threatening blood clots! If you’re traveling by car, get out and walk around. If you’re traveling by plane, train, or bus, get out of your seat and walk up and down the aisle; or at the very least, march in place, lift your legs, or pump your feet on the floor – alternating toe, heel, toe, heel, toe, heel.