Asthma & WDW??

[3boymthr]

Hi,

Not sure if this is the right place to ask this question.

I live in Massachusetts, and I have mild asthma, diagnosed about 1 year ago. It's primarily triggered by cold temperatures, not by allergens or at least not local ones. I've not been farther south than Delaware since I was diagnosed and not been exposed to extreme heat or humidity as we had a mild summer last year. I don't usually have your typical asthma attacks, I just start coughing and can't stop, sometimes leading to vomiting (ugh!). Usually, as long as I avoid being out in the cold I don't even need to use my inhaler and can go weeks without needing it.

We are going to WDW in May, and I want to be prepared. I'm taking my inhaler with me, but I'm hoping I won't need it and would love not have to take it into the parks with me. I'm concerned about our trip as apart from the cold, I also have a horrible time when we go thru NJ, not sure why, but I'm fine when we get to my MIL's in Southern Delaware.

I know everyone is different, but for those of you with whose asthma is triggered by cold do you find your asthma is worse or better in Florida? Does the heat of Florida seem to cause you to trigger as much as the cold? Or for those of you from MA do find your Asthma to be worse?

TIA

 

[enchanted72]

I have mild Asthma that is triggered by extreme weather temps/humidity (usually cold since I am in IL ) However, I was at WDW in June and August of last year and in my experience, YES, the very hot weather made me reach for my inhaler several times. Honestly, I am starting to understand and manage my asthma (just dx last April) and have been told I should always carry my inhaler with me because you never know. And it is true! I went to see Wicked on a gorgeous Chicago Fall evening in October, was perfectly fine, got into the cab and immediately was thrown into an attack. If I hadn't had my inhaler I would have had to go to the ER, it was terrible. We think it was maybe the incense or air stuff he had going in his car. I now carry it everywhere with me! Not to mention you will be doing a lot of walking at the parks and that can really tax your lungs. Better to be safe than sorry! Good Luck!!!

 

[PrincessKsMom]

We had a different experience. My mom and DD both have asthma. DD's is usually exercise induced or cold weather. My mom, on the other hand, can be triggered at any time. Went to WDW last August and neither one had a hard time. We were particularly worried about my mom, but she said she felt wonderful! Anyway, ALWAYS have a rescue inhaler available. My DD had an asthma attack in Stitch's Great Escape a few years ago and also has had some slight issues with It's a Bugs Life. There are many attractions that use dry ice, or different scents during the shows that could trigger an episode. Sometimes even someone's perfume.

 

[mechurchlady]

I do not have asthma but do suggest take the inhaler. There are many things to do to avoid heat and cold at the parks. There is the hot foot over to a shop and the nurse's station for a quick nap or quiet time if the heat is too much. Planning is key and do not underestimate things.

Remember that a quick trip to the resort can take half an hour even by monorail so do not wait until you are so tired that you have an hour left before you crash. My friend at DLR and I got caught in a rainstorm and I was heading out the park but he had to stop for chips then for ice cream. I was leaving as I knew I was at my limits but he was happy and not seeing the danger I was in and boy was I out of it for over a day. I know that to get from where I am to the car takes at least so long and that I have to leave before a certain time.

If you are worried about heat there are cooling vests and other cooling items that you can find in FAQs. It might takes years before a trigger pops up. I gag on Lysol spray and perfumes and scents can trigger a reaction where I have to get out of there. Body odor is fine but one whiff of some people with their cologne baths and I react.

You will have a great trip and do read FAQs as there are lots of links to help you.

 

[WantToGoNow]

I would suggest that you take it to all of the parks with you whether you are showing symptions or not - as far as that goes, you should always have it with you no matter where you are. As I say that, i am guilty of not carrying my ds7's all the time as well as his EpiPen - I know this will probably come back to bite me sooner or later.

On our last trip we stayed at the POP and he had no issues whatsoever - the trip before we stayed offsite at a villa and we had to use the Nebulizer every day.

We are still not sure what triggers him - he has had asthma since he was 2. It is normally triggered by a virus, but he's been struggling since this past Sunday and he does not have a virus - he's been to the pediatrician twice and had chest xrays last night to see if he had pneumonia (he doesn't). He's taking 8 different medications right now but nothing is helping and we are just waiting for all of these drugs to cause his migraines to start acting up - resulting in more medications.

We will probably look like a travelling pharmacy as we go through security this year.

 

[kimsuenew]

I have asthma, as does our DS (he was diagnosed with "reactive airway disease" at 4, and asthma at 9 or 10).

Mine can be triggered by a variety of items such as exercise (which can be simple walking), cold, high humidity, seasonal allergies, certain cleaners or air freshners (and perfumes), some flowers, smoke, dust, grass, and my biggest of all... cat dander/cats. DS can be weather triggered, exercise induced, seasonal allergies, smoke, humidity, and cold mainly.

We are never without our rescue inhalers and yes... we take the nebulizer/treatments with us... even on vacation (to anywhere, even an overnight trip)! We also take our own pillows with us (we do have allergan pillow covers).

Having said that, while at WDW the past 2 September's... we only used our inhalers a few times each (me more than him, Singulair has really helped him), and I took one breathing treatment only.

Do carry your rescue inhaler at all times, it truly can be a lifesaver! Also, don't hesitate to "hang out" in air conditioned shops/venues if you find that to be helpful... it is for me at times! Double check with the asthma specialist you see... find out what his/her opinion and suggestions are! Have a wonderful trip!

 

[mom2nji]

Hiya!
My middle son has pretty severe asthma and we go to the parks every weekend!
He is 6 and he carries his inhaler in his pocket everywhere we go, esp the parks.
Though cold does make him worse, he can get attacks anytime. There has been more than one occasion when he needed a "puff" as he calls it, at the parks.
So yes bring it with you.

 

[LilyWDW]

I also have mild asthma and my reaction/trigger sounds exactly like yours! When I went in May 2007 I found that I had NO issues even with all the walking and excitement (when I was younger I would have issues with exercise induced attacks, not so much anymore). However, I would still never go without at least a rescue inhaler. You just never know 100% when an attack will happen and it is just better to be safe then sorry.

 

[Brenle]

Hi,

Not sure if this is the right place to ask this question.

I live in Massachusetts, and I have mild asthma, diagnosed about 1 year ago. It's primarily triggered by cold temperatures, not by allergens or at least not local ones. I've not been farther south than Delaware since I was diagnosed and not been exposed to extreme heat or humidity as we had a mild summer last year. I don't usually have your typical asthma attacks, I just start coughing and can't stop, sometimes leading to vomiting (ugh!). Usually, as long as I avoid being out in the cold I don't even need to use my inhaler and can go weeks without needing it.

We are going to WDW in May, and I want to be prepared. I'm taking my inhaler with me, but I'm hoping I won't need it and would love not have to take it into the parks with me. I'm concerned about our trip as apart from the cold, I also have a horrible time when we go thru NJ, not sure why, but I'm fine when we get to my MIL's in Southern Delaware.

I know everyone is different, but for those of you with whose asthma is triggered by cold do you find your asthma is worse or better in Florida? Does the heat of Florida seem to cause you to trigger as much as the cold? Or for those of you from MA do find your Asthma to be worse?

TIA

First, I NEVER go anywhere without my inhaler. After you've had one attack where you need several doses, you won't either. That being said, cold triggers my asthma as well as severe humidity. We have been at WDW in May for the past 6 years and that time of year has always been good for me. Of course, like you said, everyone is different. Other family members have asthma as well and have been stable. Thank Goodness! One thing I will tell you is around that time it seems there have been fires due to the shortage of rainfall and I know that has affected others.

 

[codimouse]

bring your inhaler with you and carry it in your pack or pocket.
i have had asthma now for 15 years. only if it is above 90 degrees and 80% humidity (which florida can be) i get a feeling that lets me know i need it.
my asthma bugs me as well under 20 degrees.

but different pollens, trees and plants set off my asthma.

and at disney there are a variety of these things.

so better to be prepared.

take your maintenance meds as directed and you should be good.

i always take a puff before the scary rides while waiting in queue. LOL

 

[MarriedToAPrince]

I have asthma and yes the heat and humidy in FL can cause it to flare. I keep my rescue inhaler with me at all times in WDW and there are occasions I need it. I do find that if I start feeling tight I stop and go and rest in the AC and that usually helps.

 

[disneymarie]

I have a lot of triggers and weather extremes are one of them. The cold, and the heat/humidity, exersize, smokers, perfumes, jalapeno's, etc.

My first trip in May 93 I had come home with Pnumonia from severe asthma all week.
By the last trip an Oct. I had started Advair months prior and my rescue inhaler so my asthma was manageable.

I would check too, I understand they have air purifiers for rooms....unless it was Delaware's vacation?
I am the same way with NJ and often Philly. The air quality some days is really poor and will trigger flares.
Have a grand time,
di

 

[Leajess99]

We are still not sure what triggers him - he has had asthma since he was 2. It is normally triggered by a virus, but he's been struggling since this past Sunday and he does not have a virus - he's been to the pediatrician twice and had chest xrays last night to see if he had pneumonia (he doesn't). He's taking 8 different medications right now but nothing is helping and we are just waiting for all of these drugs to cause his migraines to start acting up - resulting in more medications.

We will probably look like a travelling pharmacy as we go through security this year.

Has he had allergy testing yet?? I am just wondering as my 6 year old just had those done 2 weeks old and her asthma is so far out of whack right now it is sad. She is on a ton of meds right now as well. I just wish the weather would straighten up and we could get her asthma under control.

 

[maroo]

One extra thought. Make sure you have the inhaler on you at all times.

I needed mine twice (and have not used it in months before this) at WDW this last trip.

Once during the Lion King show...the smoke they used made me cough. And I was in the middle of the long row of people and could not get out easily. Two puffs and I was fine.

The other time was on Buzz Lightyear. I love Buzz and have ridden it 8 times with no problem and never even noticed the smoke, really...but the ride stopped (probably to let a disabled person on or off, actually) and I was right where the smoke comes out of the wall. Same thing again...I was trapped and it was smokey. I was coughing my head off by the time I got off that ride!

All that to say...keep it on you...you never know when you might need it!

 

[WantToGoNow]

Has he had allergy testing yet?? I am just wondering as my 6 year old just had those done 2 weeks old and her asthma is so far out of whack right now it is sad. She is on a ton of meds right now as well. I just wish the weather would straighten up and we could get her asthma under control.

Yes, he has had allergy testing done. Blood testing shows milk and egg but the skin testing shows nothing. He is allergic to latex as well although the allergy testing doesn't show it he has had anaphylactic reactions several times. His pediatrician agrees that he has to be allergic to something indoors since that is mostly what he's exposed to right now during the winter.

He did end up with several infections - an ear infection, a sinus infection and walking pneumonia. He went to the ER last Saturday and they gave him a double dose of Duoneb (sp?) and he started improving immediately. He went back to school on Monday after missing a week and on Wednesday he slammed his hand in the front door on his way to the bus and broke his finger. It's just one thing after another.