Summer holidays and your lung condition

Advice + Support
Written By Dr Andy Whittamore

In our in-house GP Dr Andy’s latest blog, he shares tips on keeping up doing the things that keep you well, even when you’re not in your normal routine.

I am sitting here writing this blog with the sun shining outside; but as with every British summer, I’m expecting a little bit of everything!

The summer, and holiday times in general, are when many people get out of their normal routines. Some people are doing new activities, or not doing their normal activities. Some are spending more time in places where there are different things that could cause their lung condition to flare up.


Here are a few key things to remember:

Check your medicine supplies

I try to urge my patients to find ways of keeping up good habits, even when everything else is out of routine. Make sure you have enough supplies of your regular medication if you’re planning to go away. Take a look at our holiday checklist, so you can plan what you need for your trip away.

Keep a self-management plan with you

If you have a self-management plan, keep it handy. This could be a paper copy, a photo or a download on your mobile phone, so that you know what to do if your symptoms flare up. If you don’t have one, speak to your GP or specialist. Here’s a link to Asthma + Lung UK’s COPD self-management plan, which you can download or print out.

Book travel assistance if you need it

If you need help with your mobility, you may find it useful to book assistance when your travel. Whether you’re travelling by train, coach, ferry or plane, you will be able to ask your travel provider for assistance with your journey. They may be able to help with things like loading your luggage or providing a wheelchair ramp to get on board. We have more information on travelling abroad and travelling in the UK.

Protect yourself in hot weather

Drink plenty of water to keep yourself hydrated, wear loose clothing to keep yourself cool and try to avoid being in the sun for long periods of time. You can read more tips on looking after your lungs in hot weather on the Asthma + Lung UK website.    

I hope that you make the most of any nice weather and take some time to relax, especially if you have got a holiday planned or time off work and school. Keep doing the things that keep you well – I hope this allows you to enjoy the summer and spend some quality time with family and friends.

 
 

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Andy is an in-house GP at Asthma UK and the British Lung Foundation. He’s a practicing GP in Portsmouth with over 15 years experience, and a wealth of knowledge about respiratory care.

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