Asthma and Travel: A Guide for Grand Rapids, Michigan Residents

Traveling with asthma is very possible when your condition is well controlled and you plan ahead. Whether you’re flying out of Gerald R. Ford International Airport, driving up north for a winter getaway, or heading overseas, Grand Rapids residents with asthma should take a few extra steps to stay safe and healthy on the road.

See Your Grand Rapids Healthcare Provider Before You Travel

Before any major trip, schedule an appointment with your asthma provider in Grand Rapids. This could be your:

  • Primary care doctor at Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, or Mercy Health
  • Pulmonologist (lung specialist)
  • Allergy and asthma specialist
  • Community clinic or urgent care if you don’t have a regular doctor

Ask for a Written Asthma Report

Request a written report or summary that includes:

  • Your asthma diagnosis and history
  • How severe your asthma is (mild, moderate, or severe)
  • Your current medications and doses
  • Your asthma triggers (for example, cold air, pollen, smoke, exercise)
  • What to do if you have an asthma flare-up (your asthma action plan)

Carry this document with you at all times. It can help:

  • Emergency doctors understand your condition quickly
  • Pharmacists overseas or out of state confirm your medications
  • Customs or security officials if they question your inhalers or medicines

Ask your doctor to print it and also email you a copy so you can store it on your phone.

Make Sure Your Asthma Action Plan Is Up to Date

If you live in the Grand Rapids area, your provider may already have you on a written asthma action plan. Before you travel, confirm that:

  • Your plan is current and reflects your usual symptoms and current medications
  • You understand what to do in green (well-controlled), yellow (worsening), and red (emergency) zones
  • Your travel companions know where your plan is and how to help you use it

If you don’t have an asthma action plan, ask your doctor or asthma educator to create one with you. The Kent County Health Department and Grand Rapids Public Health can also help connect you with asthma education resources.

Pack Extra Asthma Medication

Take More Than You Think You’ll Need

When traveling from Grand Rapids, especially for longer trips or during Michigan’s high-risk seasons (spring allergies or cold winters), pack more asthma medication than usual. Consider:

  • Reliever inhaler (rescue inhaler): Take at least one extra inhaler
  • Preventer inhaler (controller): Pack enough for the whole trip plus extra
  • Oral medications (such as tablets): Bring extra doses
  • Any emergency oral steroids if your doctor usually prescribes them for flare-ups

Keep medications in their original labeled containers when possible.

Always Keep Medication in Your Carry-On

If you are flying:

  • Keep all asthma medications in your carry-on bag, not in checked luggage
  • This protects you in case your suitcase is lost or delayed
  • You’ll have quick access if you need your inhaler mid-flight or during a layover

Bring Copies of Your Prescriptions

Carry:

  • Printed copies of your asthma prescriptions
  • A list of all your medications and doses

This helps prove the medicines are for your personal use and makes it easier to replace them if they are lost or damaged.

Don’t Rely on Buying Medication Overseas

Medication names, strengths, and availability can vary between countries and even between U.S. states. A prescription from your Grand Rapids doctor may not be valid everywhere, and your specific inhaler may not be available. Always travel with a full supply from home.

Traveling With Asthma Devices: Spacers and Nebulizers

Spacers

For most people with asthma, a spacer is a great travel option:

  • Lightweight and portable
  • Easy to pack in a backpack or carry-on
  • Works well with most metered-dose inhalers
  • Often just as effective as a nebulizer in many situations

Ask your doctor or pharmacist in Grand Rapids to show you how to use a spacer correctly before you travel.

Nebulizers

If you need a nebulizer:

  • Check that your nebulizer pump is approved for airplane use if you plan to use it during a flight
  • For overseas travel, confirm it can handle different voltages and plug types
  • Purchase the correct power adapter or voltage converter before you leave

You will need to contact the airline before your flight to:

  • Inform them that you may need to use a nebulizer on board
  • Ask about their policies and any required documentation

Practice using any new devices well before your trip so you’re confident using them away from home.

Weather, Seasons, and Asthma: Special Considerations for Michiganders

Living in Grand Rapids means you’re already used to cold winters, lake-effect snow, and seasonal changes—all of which can affect asthma.

Cold Air and Winter Travel

Cold, dry air is a common asthma trigger, especially for Michigan residents. When traveling in winter or to colder climates:

  • Wear a scarf or mask over your mouth and nose to help warm and humidify the air
  • Warm up indoors before doing outdoor activities like skiing, snowshoeing, or hiking
  • Carry your reliever inhaler in an inside pocket to keep it from getting too cold

If you’re heading to places colder than West Michigan winters, talk to your doctor about adjusting your plan.

New Allergens and Air Quality

Different cities and countries have:

  • Different pollens (trees, grasses, weeds)
  • Different molds and dust levels
  • Different air pollution and smog levels

If you’re traveling from Grand Rapids to:

  • Big cities with high pollution: check local air quality reports
  • Rural or farm areas: be aware of mold, animal dander, and dust
  • Tropical or humid areas: mold and dust mites may be more intense

Plan ahead by:

  • Checking local air quality apps or websites
  • Packing allergy medications if you have allergic asthma
  • Avoiding outdoor exercise when air quality is poor

Accommodation and Asthma Triggers

Watch for Dust Mites and Cleanliness

All beds and pillows can harbor dust mites, a common asthma trigger. When booking hotels or vacation rentals:

  • Look for places that mention allergy-friendly or smoke-free rooms
  • Avoid accommodations that appear unclean or musty
  • Ask for rooms that are non-smoking and have no pets if those are triggers

You might also consider:

  • Bringing your own pillowcase or allergen-proof covers if your dust mite allergy is severe
  • Asking if the room has hard flooring instead of wall-to-wall carpeting

Activities, Exercise, and Asthma While Traveling

If your asthma is well controlled and you have a clear asthma action plan, most vacation activities can be safe and enjoyable.

Usually Safe With Good Control

With your doctor’s approval, many people with asthma can participate in:

  • Trekking and sightseeing
  • Swimming in pools or lakes
  • Skiing and snowboarding
  • Moderate hiking and walking tours

Be sure to:

  • Use your reliever inhaler before exercise if your doctor recommends it
  • Warm up and cool down properly
  • Avoid outdoor exercise when air quality is poor or pollen is high

Scuba Diving and Asthma

Scuba diving can be dangerous for some people with asthma because of the pressure changes and breathing demands. If you are interested in scuba diving:

  • You must have a thorough dive safety assessment with your doctor
  • Not everyone with asthma will be cleared to dive
  • Be honest about your symptoms and history—your safety comes first

High Altitude Travel

Traveling to high altitudes is usually okay if your asthma is well controlled at sea level or low altitude (like Grand Rapids). However:

  • Let your doctor know if you plan to visit high-altitude destinations
  • Watch for increased shortness of breath or wheezing
  • Follow your asthma action plan closely

Talk to Your Doctor About Your Travel Plans

Before you leave Grand Rapids, discuss your specific itinerary and activities:

  • Destinations (cities, countries, climate)
  • Planned activities (skiing, hiking, diving, long flights)
  • How long you’ll be gone
  • Any recent asthma flare-ups or hospital visits

Your doctor may:

  • Adjust your medications temporarily
  • Provide an emergency prescription
  • Update your asthma action plan for travel

Travel Insurance and Asthma

Why Travel Insurance Matters

If you’re traveling out of Michigan or overseas, consider purchasing travel insurance that covers:

  • Emergency medical care
  • Hospital stays
  • Ambulance services
  • Medical evacuation (for international trips)

In the United States, ambulance policies and costs vary by state. Make sure your plan covers emergency transport in the states or countries you’re visiting.

Asthma as a Pre-Existing Condition

Many travel insurance policies list asthma as a pre-existing medical condition. To be covered for asthma-related problems, insurers may require that:

  • You have had no recent asthma exacerbations (flare-ups)
  • There has been no change in your usual treatment for a specified period
  • You have had no recent hospital admissions for asthma
  • You complete a medical assessment before the policy is issued
  • You meet certain age or health criteria

If you cannot meet these conditions, you may still be able to get coverage, but:

  • You might have to pay an extra premium
  • Certain asthma-related events may be excluded

Always:

  • Read the policy carefully
  • Compare multiple insurers
  • Confirm in writing that your asthma is covered

Let Your Travel Companions Know About Your Asthma

Before your trip:

  • Tell your family, friends, or coworkers that you have asthma
  • Show them where you keep your inhalers and action plan
  • Explain what your early warning signs are (coughing, chest tightness, wheezing, shortness of breath)
  • Teach them basic asthma first aid and when to call emergency services

This is especially important if you’re traveling somewhere remote or doing higher-risk activities.

Local Resources for Grand Rapids Residents With Asthma

If you live in the Grand Rapids area and need help managing asthma before you travel, you can contact:

  • Your GP or primary care provider at Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, or Mercy Health
  • Local pharmacists for medication counseling and spacer/nebulizer advice
  • Kent County Health Department – asthma education and public health resources
  • Grand Rapids Public Health – community programs and support

If you experience severe symptoms while traveling in the U.S., call 911 for emergency help.

By planning ahead, working with your Grand Rapids healthcare team, and understanding your triggers, you can travel confidently with asthma—whether you’re exploring Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, visiting another state, or flying overseas.