Asthma

General Travelling Tips For Concerts and Music Festivals

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With good planning and common sense there is no reason why people with asthma, rhinitis or allergies should not have an enjoyable experience at concerts and music festivals.

Although there is no such thing as a risk-free event,  a G.P visit provides an opportunity to have your treatment reviewed and discuss a management plan on how to manage your asthma on a day to day basis and how to deal with an emergency situation.

RHINITIS/HAYFEVER.

Symptoms of Rhinitis:

  • Sneezing.
  • Itchy, blocked or runny nose.
  • Red, itchy or watery eyes.
  • Itchy throat, inner ear or mouth.
  • Headaches.
  • A loss of concentration and generally feeling unwell.

It is difficult to avoid exposure of allergies e.g. pollen, moulds and spores at outdoor events. It is advisable that before attending outdoor events, people with rhinitis and hayfever should:

  • Check pollen forecast for the region.
  • Bring appropriate medication and an extra supply as they maybe mislaid.

Antihistamines are an example of medication for the treatment of hayfever and rhinitis symptoms. These are available in tablet, capsule, and liquid form.

* Special Warning: Please refer to advice/guidelines on the medication itself. Exercise caution when using with the above medication and consuming alcohol.

Decongestant Sprays relieve stuffy noses; however, these sprays should only used for a few days at a time as they can have rebound effects.

Preventer Treatments: (Steroid Nasal Sprays) can be used to prevent nose and eye symptoms developing. They are available in Eye drops, Nasal drops and Nasal sprays. These should already be commenced a few weeks prior to the event.

Most pollen is released mid-morning and late afternoon.  People who suffer with rhinitis and hayfever should avoid sitting in campsites at times of high pollen.  To reduce exposure, close tents when the pollen count is high. The following simple steps can also help alleviate symptoms:

  • Splash eyes with water regularly
  • Wear wrap around sunglasses
  • Smear Vaseline inside your nose.
  • Wash sleeping bags prior to use at 60 degrees.
  • Take medication prior to pitching tent as the levels pollen may be disturbed.

If possible, ask a friend or family member to pitch your tent for you.

ASTHMA AND CAMPING:

BRING YOUR RELIEVER AND PREVENTER MEDICATION WITH YOU.

Carry An Asthma Attack Card With You At All Times.
(Click here to download an Asthma Attack Card or call the Asthma Society of Ireland on 01 8788511 to order one)

Bring spare medication in case your medication is lost. Easy accessibility is imperative at all times; carry your reliever medication at all times.

Be aware of triggers that may affect your asthma, for example:

  • Weather Changes such as cold air and humidity.
  • Allergies such as dust, pollen and moulds.
  • Exercise (e.g. Dancing at a Concert) Use reliever medication. 15-20 minutes prior to dancing at a gig/concert if exercise is a trigger.
  • Air Pollutants such as cigarette smoke, aerosols and CO2 - dry ice.
  • Alcohol in excess may mask or trigger asthma symptoms.
  • Food.

IN THE CASE OF AN EMERGENCY

  1. Alert a friend
  2. Go to the medical tent
  3. Keep Calm- do not panic.

In case of an asthma attack, ensure your friends are aware of the following steps:

  • Ensure the reliever (blue) inhaler is taken immediately this is usually blue and opens up narrowed air passages.
  • Sit down and loosen tight clothing
  • Breathe slowly and calmly
  • If there is no immediate improvement continue to take the reliever inhaler every minute for five minutes or until symptoms improve.
  • If symptoms do not improve in five minutes, call medical staff or a Doctor urgently. Continue to take reliever inhaler until help arrives or symptoms improve.
If you have no inhaler alert a friend to accompany you to a medical tent, but if symptoms are severe, seek medical assistance urgently.

CAMPING WITH ALLERGIES

For people with allergies, unexpected exposure to an allergen may have a potential impact on their weekend. Common problems include:

  • Large local reactions to insect bites
  • Accidental exposure to hidden foods.
  • Drug allergies.

However much can be done to prevent accidental exposure to manage local allergy symptoms

  • Spray exposed areas of the body with insect repellent prior to going out
  • Carry antihistamine cream and apply it liberally.
Antihistamine tablets e.g. for multiple  or severe reaction

MAJOR ALLERGIES

If a person is allergic to a specific food or drug, the need to carry medication such as EpiPen or Anapen Injection  is vital and should be accessible at all times.

They should also ensure the following

  • A Letter from G.P  stipulating allergies
  • Wear Medic Alert bracelet at all times giving details of allergies and how to treat them.
  • Have two adrenaline kits with them
  • Instruct a  family member/friend how to inject same
  • Know where the Medical Tents are.
  • Check the "Health and Safety Page" of the web site of the festival you are attending.
If a person has a nut allergy be vigilant about purchasing food that may contain nuts, seeds etc from selling vendors. Taking your own food may be an option.

 

 

With good planning, preparation and being aware of the resources available there is no reason why you should not have an enjoyable time.

For more information or medical advice contact the Asthma Society Helpline on 1850 44 54 64