Airline Travel With Allergies

People can suffer from different types of allergies, including airborne, food and chemical allergies or sensitivities. Allergies can be a major problem for both adults and kids in everyday life, but those conditions can be especially aggravating and even dangerous while traveling by air. The key is knowing how to cope with these allergies or prevent them while traveling by air.

Significance

• One of the reasons airline travel can be troublesome for allergy sufferers is because the passengers are in close proximity to one another. For example, individuals with sensitivities to cats or dogs may sense these odors or hair particles on another person.

Identification

• People also wear perfumes, colognes, hairsprays and other personal care items, to which some people have allergies or sensitivities, especially those with multiple chemical sensitivities. This can be a particular problem for longer trips within the small confines of a plane.

Types

• Children or adults with food allergies can have any bigger problems than most people while traveling by air. They may have wheat, milk or soy allergies and risk having symptoms if only certain foods are available. Those with allergies to peanuts may even risk anaphylactic symptoms, which can be life-threatening if they unwittingly eat something with traces of peanuts, according to Medicinenet.com.

Considerations

• Airplane air does not circulate that well and the air is relatively dry. The poor air quality can trigger allergies to pollen or other common allergens. Symptoms can include sneezing, watery eyes and congestion.

Prevention/Solution

• People with allergies should make sure they take antihistamines or use nasal sprays before they get on an airplane. Food allergies sufferers can take snacks from home or the airport snack shop along with them. Finally, those who suffer from chemical sensitivities can purchase small air filters for protection.