A much-anticipated vacation should be about exploring new places and relaxing with family and friends – not scrambling to find a pharmacy because you forgot your allergy medication.

Whether you’re headed for a tropical getaway or hiking through a national forest, a little preparation can go a long way toward keeping allergies from putting a damper on your trip, according to Stephanie Amor-Arteaga, APRN, a nurse practitioner with OSF HealthCare.

“The best way to prepare for a vacation is to plan if you have allergies,” she says. “You want to make sure that you have enough medication, you've gotten your refills from your provider and you have enough to last you through the trip. Make sure everybody around you is aware of the allergies and what you have with you.”

Because allergy triggers vary by season and destination, preparation starts before you leave home. Research where you’re going to know your response to potential environmental allergies there and how to best cope.

Before leaving home, Amor-Arteaga recommends putting together an allergy kit. Depending on your needs, that may include antihistamines, inhalers and epinephrine auto-injectors. Travelers should also bring a current medication list, emergency contacts and a medical alert bracelet or necklace, as well as hand sanitizer and wipes. Make sure all prescriptions are current and properly labeled in case your travel partners need additional information.

Amor-Arteaga says that if you're carrying prescription medications or over-the-counter medications, place them in your carry-on and not in your checked-in luggage for easy access.

Depending on your ultimate location, other considerations to think about are pollen levels, air quality, what outdoor activities you have planned and possible allergens when it comes to hotel accommodations.

Who’s ready to eat?

Once you’ve arrived at your destination it’s time to think about where you’re going to dine and what you’re going to eat – especially if you’re allergic to certain foods or ingredients.

“If you have a food allergy, the best way to navigate that at a restaurant is to let the staff know about your allergy before you even start to order the food,” says Amor-Arteaga. “I have a daughter with a food allergy, so I make sure to carry snacks that she's able to eat in case that restaurant does not have any options for her.”

Amor-Arteaga knows firsthand how stressful traveling with a food allergy can be. Her daughter has a peanut allergy, and Amor-Arteaga remembers being nervous before their first big vacation to Disney World.

“I just wanted to make sure there was no cross contamination, but they were very good about it,” she says. “Most places are good about managing food allergies because they are common, unfortunately.”

Amor-Arteaga suggests contacting your health care provider at least four weeks in advance of your trip so he or she can devise a personalized plan for you, including making sure all your prescriptions are filled.

The bottom line, Amor-Arteaga says, is that allergies shouldn’t keep people from enjoying their time away. A little preparation before leaving home can help travelers spend less time worrying about their allergies – and more time making memories.

“Allergies affect our lives, and it may be a bummer for some, but it should not affect a vacation if you plan and get everything in order so that you can enjoy time with everybody,” says Amor-Arteaga.

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Before you leave:

• Refill all prescriptions
• Pack medications in your carry-on
• Bring extra medication when appropriate
• Make sure prescriptions are properly labeled
• Carry a medication/allergy list
• Tell travel companions about your allergies
• Pack safe snacks if you have food allergies
• Bring emergency contacts
• Consider a medical alert bracelet or necklace
• Know where you can get medical care at your destination

Interview Clips

If you grew up without suffering from seasonal allergies, consider yourself one of the lucky ones.

But if you’ve reached your 40s or 50s and are now feeling miserable during the spring and fall months, welcome to the club. Adult-onset allergies are a real thing. And it happens to a lot of people.

Nearly 1 in 3 adults in the U.S. have seasonal allergies, eczema, or food allergies, according to recent data released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Nearly 75% of those are older than 45. Many of those people developed allergies in adulthood or were not diagnosed until they were adults.

Experts are unclear why or how allergies develop in adulthood. Some theories include moving from one geographic region to another, having a reduced immune system or owning a pet for the first time in your life. There is a belief, however, that having one severe allergic reaction or symptoms during childhood can increase your chances of developing allergies as an adult.

Many people who develop allergy symptoms early in life will outgrow their allergies by their 20s or 30s. But, really, it’s possible to develop an allergy to something – whether it’s an animal or pollen – at any point in life.

“People will have them as kids and sometimes grow out of it,” says Breanne Gendron, a nurse practitioner with OSF HealthCare. “Then the alternative happens, where something starts bothering you as you age. That’s when we teach you about all the different medications you can use to control your symptoms.”

Gendron says most people are bothered by things that bloom and that includes trees and grass in the spring. Ragweed pollen or other weed pollen are problematic in the fall. Spores from molds and fungi are typically around in warm-weather months. And don’t forget about house dust mite allergens, which tend to be present throughout the year.

Most allergy symptoms, while annoying, are mild. Examples are sneezing, itchy eyes and runny nose. In her practice, Gendron notices more adults suffering from sinus infections with their allergy issues, more so than her younger patients.

“The dilemma about having untreated allergies is that you can get extra congestion in your sinuses, which could lead to a sinus infection,” Gendron says. “When you get pressure in your face, and you generally feel a little rundown, then we want to treat you for that.”

Gendron recommends treating allergies with a combination of oral antihistamines, eye drops and steroid nasal sprays. Allergy shots may be in order as well. But first, talk to your doctor to see if you are a candidate for a skin test to determine your specific allergies. “Once the medication gets your symptoms to calm down, you can generally keep it in check with less medication,” she says.

There are other things you can do to help minimize your symptoms. Gendron recommends things like eliminating carpet in your bedroom and washing your sheets regularly to eliminate dust. Consider taking a shower before bedtime, especially after being outside, and keep the windows closed at night to prevent pollen from entering the home.

This spring, protect yourself from those triggers that you know will make you uncomfortable.

“If you are bothered by something in the environment and you know that it bothers you, such as mowing the grass or raking leaves, do yourself a favor by wearing a mask to prevent yourself from breathing in more allergens,” she adds. “And take your allergy pills before you do those things, to make sure that you're going to have less of a reaction.”

For more information, visit OSF HealthCare.

Interview Clips