Living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) doesn’t automatically mean you have to put your travel plans on hold. Like other chronic conditions, safe travel with COPD is possible with some pre-planning and thorough preparation.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) refers to a group of conditions causing damage or inflammation in your respiratory system that interferes with typical breathing. Chronic bronchitis and emphysema are the two main conditions associated with COPD.
Many people living with COPD have to be mindful of their daily activities. Respiratory tract damage can impair how well your lungs exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide, leading to reduced oxygen in your bloodstream.
Certain activities can be extra fatiguing when you’re unable to breathe efficiently, and many people living with COPD require supplemental oxygen.
While it’s true that you might have to modify or eliminate certain daily activities after a COPD diagnosis, travel doesn’t always have to be something you give up.
Read on to learn tips on safe traveling with COPD.
Planning your tip in advance means more than just slotting attraction and restaurant visits into your schedule. When you live with COPD, planning your trip in advance often involves:
- setting up a pre-trip doctor’s appointment
- making a checklist for packing
- obtaining comfort items, such as pillows, supports, or braces
- contacting your airline, train station, or bus company about oxygen requirements
- reviewing oxygen policies at hotels, restaurants, and event venues
- reviewing accessible seating
- talking with traveling companions about when and where it’s OK for them to smoke (if they do)
- selecting times and places for travel breaks, if possible
- gathering important medical and travel documents
- filling medications
- gathering spare parts for oxygen supplementation
Even though you can’t predict every travel scenario that might occur, planning your trip ahead of time helps reduce the chances you’ll have to make last-second decisions or face undue stress.