Review: Vacationing with Asthma - A Fine Guide
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 07 9, 2012
Pat L.J. Mize is a supportive guide whose mission it is to teach and reassure people who have asthma that their disease process should not regulate their lives.  Quite the opposite - people with asthma can regulate their disease with the concepts presented in this immensely readable and valuable book and thus make their lives and activities more normal.The book begins by explaining asthma as `a chronic inflammation of the lungs where the airways are irreversible narrowed.' The inciting factors are genetic as well as environmental, such as allergic reactions to dust, cigarette smoke, industrial pollution, vehicle emissions, perfumes - the list is lengthy.  The point of this book - traveling for asthmatics - is addressed but pointing out the possible factors specific to travel that may bring on attacks and how to avoid and treat and prevent them. Areas of concern include climates not conducive to asthmatics, transportation methods, seasons, hotel rooms are listed along with specific aids (such as inhalers and nebulizers and the use of Albuterol) taking focus for the immediate relief of unsuspected attacks.Home remedies (eucalyptus oil, steam inhalation, imbibing warm liquids to dilute mucus) include adequate rest, avoidance of known stimulants that trigger the attacks, addressing emotional overlay are discussed, and then the author lists the `must have' accompaniments to travel: Dry Powder Inhalers and/or Meter Dosed Inhalers, a knowledge of how the travel will be regulated (time of day, degree of contaminants in the air and how to monitor them, how to deal with serious attacks while aboard a ship) - all can be calculated with careful planning of the travel to avoid instigators.  Once on a trip the author lists ways to `adjust' the living climate in hotels (avoiding triggers is a long list identifying trigger and how to combat them) and remarks on pollens and pets and having medications available as well as backup plans incase a hospital or clinic is not close by.The book closes with a checklist of helpful points in preparing a trip - including Dietary Card, Allergy Translation Card, flu shots and other immunizations depending on the locale of the planned trip, and how to manage travel with an asthmatic child.  The book is brimming over with valuable information and reassurance for sufferers of asthma and with Pat's help there is not reason to fear or avoid travel. Very well done and valuable book!  Grady Harp, July 12