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Patients & Consumers Conditions En Español Find an Allergist / Immunologist Just for Kids New Research Parent Resources Pollen Levels Publications Real Life Stories Request a Speaker School Tools Seniors The Virtual Allergist™ Treatments Search by Condition (A-Z) Search by Topic Allergy & Asthma Issues Educational Brochures Elements of Allergy and Asthma Order Public Education Materials Washington Post Supplement Allergy Shots Drug Guide Sublingual Immunotherapy (SLIT)		Allergy & Asthma Issues: Spring 2009 PLACES FAMILIES WITH FOOD ALLERGIES ARE LEAST LIKELY TO VISIT* Japan India China Africa Beach resorts in foreign countries *According to a survey by researchers from the Mount Sinai School of Medicine and the Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Netowrk A Dream Vacation with Food Allergies? It's Possible By Andrew W. Murphy, MD, FAAAAI Whether it’s a week at Disney World or a trip to Europe, vacations are a chance to create memories and experience new things. But for families with food allergies, what should be a relaxing break can become a harrowing adventure. A recent study has shown that families with a food allergic child often limit the number of vacations they take. Many don’t travel outside the United States and others avoid certain types of transportation, such as planes and boats. But it isn’t necessarily a fear of the unknown that keeps these families close to home. Some say that the availability of medical care is the reason they don’t venture too far from home. PREPARE YOURSELF What’s the secret to successful travel with food allergies? Planning ahead and taking precautions are key. This includes having your autoinjectable epinephrine on hand, requesting special accommodations from airlines and hotels and packing allergen-free snacks. Remember to always personally carry your medication(s) in their original packaging. Losing your luggage would be an inconvenience; losing your medications could be a medical crisis. Be aware of the locations of hospitals near your destination and get the contact information for local medical professionals. Pack extra copies of medical documentation, so you’ll have this information on hand in the event of an emergency. TRAVELING ABROAD If you’re traveling to a foreign country, consider carrying a card that explains in the local language what foods you can’t eat. Show this to your server, and if possible the chef, at any restaurant you visit. You can also research regional cuisines in order to get an idea of the dishes you’ll want to avoid. If possible, learn the word for your allergen in the language of the country you’re visiting and be able to recognize it on food packaging. However, be aware that food labeling laws in other countries may not be the same as those in the United States. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, and when in doubt, just say no. BEFORE YOU TRAVEL If you or your child has food allergies, you can also follow these steps to avoid reactions. If you’re traveling by airplane, try to keep all medications in their original packaging to make the screening process easier. Anticipate problems and hidden allergens. Does your host know about your child’s food allergies? Does the airline you’re flying serve peanuts as a snack? Do your relatives have pets that could make your child’s other allergies worse? Make an appointment with your allergist before you travel to discuss specific precautions you can take while traveling. Always continue to take your medications on schedule. Know who to call in the area you’re visiting if you have an emergency and need to make an appointment, and keep your allergist’s phone number or other emergency contact information on-hand. Andrew W. Murphy, MD, FAAAAI, is an allergist/immunologist based in Downingtown, PA, and a member of the Teaching Faculty at A.I. duPont Hospital for Children. <back>
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