Nebulization during Travel
HOW DO I SET UP MY NEBULIZER?
Living with respiratory disease can often be challenging and overwhelming as it can pose certain restrictions on activities such as travelling. For some patients, using nebulizers while travelling can become cumbersome. Travelling should be done after a check-up, consultation and approval from your doctor. With the availability of portable, sleek and lightweight nebulizers, travelling can be easier; however, the type of portable nebulizer to buy should be based only on your doctor’s recommendation.
The following tips can help you plan your journey if you have to travel with a nebulizer:
- Before travelling, check if you have packed all the parts of the jet nebulizer kit such as the compressor, tubing, medication cup, face mask/mouthpiece and nebulizer filter.
- If you have been advised to use a portable, lightweight nebulizer, ensure that you carry it in a pouch safely.
- Prefer to carry a portable nebulizer that can be plugged into a car’s accessory power outlet or a power bank (depends on the make of the nebulizer).
- Carry additional batteries for the nebulizer in case of loss or damage.
- Take an adapter if you are travelling to a different country.
- Carry all the necessary medicines for nebulization that have been recommended by your doctor as per the storage instructions.
- Keep rescue medicines (for spacer and pMDI) handy.
- Pack the nebulizer kit in bubble wrap to avoid breakage or damage.
- Check whether your nebulizer is allowed to be used or carry on board during air travel by the airline you will be flying with.
- Go for a check-up before travelling to assess your or your patient’s (if you are a caregiver) present condition and adjust the medication dosage, especially in chronic cases.
- Ensure that you clean and maintain the nebulizer kit even when you are travelling.
