This detailed article is designed to help patients with aspergillosis (including CPA, ABPA, SAFS, and those on antifungals or steroids) prepare for safe and enjoyable travel. It includes a complete travel plan, medication management, oxygen guidance, and destination risk information.


📚 Menu

  1. Planning and Medication Management
  2. Asthma, Photosensitivity, and Insurance
  3. Travelling with Oxygen Therapy
  4. Regions Riskier for Aspergillosis or Asthma
  5. Driving and Motorbiking Concerns
  6. Wheelchair Support When Travelling
  7. Why a Pulse Oximeter May Be Useful When Travelling
  8. Additional Resources
  9. Final Travel Checklist

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🧳 Planning and Medication Management

✅ Plan Ahead

  • Request repeat prescriptions 3–4 weeks before travel.
  • Coordinate hospital-only meds (e.g. posaconazole, biologics).
  • Obtain a doctor’s letter listing your diagnosis, meds, doses, and any special handling (e.g., refrigeration).

🎒 Pack Smart

  • Bring enough medication for the trip + 7 extra days.
  • Keep meds in original packaging with pharmacy labels.
  • Split meds between hand luggage and checked bags.
  • Carry a paper and digital medication list.

❄️ Storage Requirements

  • Use a travel cool bag for biologics or antifungals that require refrigeration.
  • Ask hotels for a fridge or minibar in your room.
  • Bring a digital thermometer to monitor storage conditions.

🌍 Getting Meds Abroad (Emergency Only)

  • Private doctors/pharmacies may help with basic meds, but antifungals are rarely stocked.
  • NHS prescriptions won’t be accepted abroad; some private scripts might.
  • Register for an EHIC/GHIC card if travelling in Europe.

🛃 Customs and Legal


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🌬️ Asthma, Photosensitivity, and Insurance

Asthma Risks While Travelling

  • Triggers: dry air, cold air, perfume, anxiety, smoke
  • Always carry your rescue inhaler
  • Use a preventer consistently in the lead-up to travel
  • Pack a spacer if used

Photosensitivity (especially on Voriconazole)

  • Use SPF 50+, cover up with UV-blocking clothing
  • Avoid direct sunlight between 10am–4pm
  • Be careful near windows or during flights

Travel Insurance Challenges

  • Declare aspergillosis, asthma, biologics, antifungals, hospitalisations
  • Use specialist providers (e.g., AllClear, Insurancewith, Avanti)
  • Get a GP letter confirming stability

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🫁 Travelling with Oxygen Therapy

Planning Ahead

  • Get a letter from your doctor about oxygen requirements
  • Book a pre-flight oxygen assessment if needed

Flying with Oxygen

  • Notify airlines 3–4 weeks in advance
  • Check if onboard oxygen or POCs (Portable Oxygen Concentrators) are accepted
  • Bring enough batteries (150% of flight duration)

Travelling in the UK or EU

  • Arrange oxygen through providers like Baywater Healthcare or Dolby Vivisol
  • Outside UK/EU: you’ll likely need private supply — plan in advance

Legal and Insurance Notes

  • Declare oxygen use in travel insurance
  • Carry pulse oximeter and chargers

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🌍 Regions Riskier for Aspergillosis or Asthma

🔥 High-Risk Areas

  • Tropical/humid countries: SE Asia, India, Sub-Saharan Africa, Brazil
  • Dusty deserts: Arizona (USA), Middle East, North Africa
  • Polluted cities: Delhi, Beijing, Cairo, Lagos, some UK cities during heatwaves

Safer Destinations

  • Northern Europe, Scandinavia, highland areas, and coastal regions with good air quality.

Tips:

  • Avoid mouldy buildings, dusty markets, unregulated AC systems.
  • Wear FFP2/FFP3 masks in high-risk environments.
  • Stay indoors during dust storms or poor air quality alerts.

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🛵 Driving and Motorbiking Concerns

Medication Side Effects That Can Impair Driving

Medication Risk
Voriconazole Visual disturbance, hallucinations
Steroids Mood changes, insomnia
Painkillers (opioids) Drowsiness, slowed reaction

DVLA Guidelines

Biking and Sun Risk

  • Long UV exposure while biking is dangerous on voriconazole
  • Use UV-blocking visors, wear protective clothing

Other Tips

  • Avoid long journeys without breaks
  • Keep hydration and rescue meds close

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♿ Wheelchair Support When Travelling

Airport Wheelchair Support

  • Request wheelchair assistance when booking your flight.
  • Arrive early and inform check-in or help desks of your needs.
  • Most airports have dedicated support staff to help with boarding, disembarking, and security checks.

Travelling with Your Own Wheelchair

  • Airlines allow you to bring your own manual or electric wheelchair free of charge.
  • Label your chair clearly and bring any detachable parts in your carry-on.

Hotel Accessibility

  • Contact hotels in advance to confirm:
    • Step-free access
    • Lift availability
    • Wheel-in showers or accessible bathrooms

Rental Options

  • Many cities have wheelchair rental services — check availability online before travelling.

🩺 Why a Pulse Oximeter May Be Useful When Travelling

A pulse oximeter is a small device that clips onto your finger to measure your blood oxygen levels (SpO₂) and pulse rate. For aspergillosis patients, especially those with CPA, ABPA, or coexisting conditions like asthma or bronchiectasis, oxygen levels can drop unexpectedly during illness, flight, or physical exertion.

Having a pulse oximeter can help you:

  • Monitor for early signs of low oxygen during travel or exertion
  • Track changes if you’re recovering from infection or flare-up
  • Provide data to healthcare providers during emergencies

They’re small, affordable, and highly recommended when travelling, especially if you use oxygen, have unstable symptoms, or are flying.


📄 Additional Resources

Asthma + Lung UK: Travel Safely with a Lung Condition

Asthma + Lung UK’s web guide on travelling safely with a lung condition offers clear and practical advice for every step of the journey. Key topics include:

  • Planning ahead: Inform your healthcare team early and check vaccination and visa requirements.
  • Medication and equipment: Tips for transporting oxygen, packing extra meds, and navigating airport security.
  • Flying: How to prepare if you need oxygen or are concerned about air pressure and dry air on planes.
  • Travel insurance: Advice on declaring lung conditions and finding appropriate cover.
  • During your trip: Staying safe in heat or cold, managing humidity and pollution, and what to do in an emergency.

This guide is especially useful for patients with asthma, COPD, bronchiectasis, or those using nebulisers and oxygen.

📖 Read the full guide online: Travel safely with a lung condition – Asthma + Lung UK

📌 Final Travel Checklist

  • Enough medication + 7 days extra

  • Doctor’s letter and prescription list

  • Insurance (specialist provider)

  • Rescue inhaler, spacer, antifungals

  • SPF and protective clothing (if on photosensitive meds)

  • Pulse oximeter (if applicable)

  • Contact details for your consultant

  • Face masks for flights/dusty areas

  • Travel cool bag and thermometer (if needed)

  • EHIC/GHIC card if travelling in Europe

  • Approved portable oxygen concentrator (if applicable)

  • Medical summary on phone and paper

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