The short answer
Talk to your doctor before the trip and ask for a written action plan. Carry enough of your reliever and any controller inhalers for the whole trip plus extra, in your hand luggage and daypack, and keep taking regular controller medication unless your doctor says otherwise. Cold dry air, dust, smoke, pollen and exertion can trigger symptoms.
Kathmandu can be dusty and polluted, especially in dry months, so consider a good mask and hotel choice away from heavy traffic. At altitude, breathlessness can come from the altitude itself, so tell your guide about your asthma, go slowly and descend if breathing worsens. Check that your travel insurance covers pre-existing conditions.
Key facts
- Before travel
- Doctor, action plan
- Carry
- Reliever + controller, spares
- Triggers
- Dust, smoke, cold air
- Tell
- Guide and group
How it works
- See your doctorBefore departure.
- Pack medicinesHand luggage plus spares.
- Avoid triggersDust, smoke.
- Tell your guideAt the start.
- Descend if breathing worsensDo not wait.
Planning ahead
If you have asthma, talk to your doctor before the trip. Ask for a written action plan, advice about altitude and a supply of medicines that covers delays. Cold, dry air, dust and smoke can trigger symptoms.
Tell your guide and group about your condition and where you keep your inhaler. Keep your reliever on your body, not in a bag that may be far away.
On the trip
Kathmandu's dust and traffic can irritate airways, so a fitted mask can help on busy days. On trek, smoky lodges and cold mornings may need extra care, so choose a sleeping place with good airflow where you can.
If your breathing worsens and your reliever does not help, descend and seek medical help. Check that your insurance covers your condition and altitude.
Insider tip
Keep your reliever inhaler on your body, not in the bag carried by a porter.
Avoid this
Do not stop regular controller medication without medical advice.
Related questions
Can asthmatics go to altitude?
Many do with planning, but get medical advice first.
Is Kathmandu air a problem?
It can be in dry months; plan accordingly.
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