Camping with seasonal allergies can be brutal. In fact, even walking outdoors can take a lot out of the person who is experiencing respiratory issues or symptoms such as dry eyes, a runny nose, and persistent itchiness. Seasonal allergies can be triggered by smoke from campfires in the summer, insect bites or stings, and even by chlorine in pools. These are all things you’ll likely encounter while camping at certain campgrounds.
Here are some of the ways to camp without your seasonal allergies getting the best of you:
Know exactly what triggers your allergies.
An ears, nose, and throat specialist will run tests and pinpoint the exact cause of your seasonal allergies. The medical professional may prescribe medication or suggest over-the-counter or natural remedies to treat your symptoms. Letting your ENT doctor know your plans is important because you may need to increase your dosage or change your treatment times because of your planned camping trip.
Pack your medication with you in your first aid kit.
You can never be too prepared. That’s why it’s important to always have the medication or treatment options that work best for your allergies with you on your person as well as in your first aid kit. That way, if anything happens to one of your supplies, you have a backup to rely on.
Get to know the area that you’re camping in.
Take into account the medical services nearby. Where is the closest doctor or hospital? Are emergency vehicles available to pick you up in the event that you become ill at the campground? Although it may seem like you’re planning for the worst, awareness is how you keep yourself safe during your trip.
Invest in a hypoallergenic tent.
Choose one that has flaps that you can open and close easily. Make sure that you’ve cleaned and sanitized the tent before sleeping in it. That way, you can keep the number of allergens that you come into contact with while camping minimal.
Camping with allergies takes skill and advanced preparation. You don’t need to miss out on an outdoor adventure just because you have an allergy to a certain type of tree, grass or ragweed. There are things you can do to deal with your allergy and still fully enjoy your camping trip.
