My son is about to start his gap-year trip to south-east Asia. I know I might seem like an over-concerned parent, but is it really safe for him medically? He has asthma and is going to do everything from trekking up a volcano to diving.
Joan Evans
Dr Jules Eden replies: He must take a good supply of inhalers. Your GP will be happy to prescribe enough for the trip. Inhalers have a long shelf life and don't need to be kept chilled. It is advisable to always carry one in a waist belt rather than have the whole supply in a rucksack. I also suggest that he takes some broad-spectrum antibiotics in case of a chest infection. Amoxicillin should be good enough unless he has a penicillin allergy, though my favourite antibiotic for travellers, ciproxin, would be better as it can cover a wide range of infections, from bowel to ear.
If he is diving, take a 'fit to dive' medical certificate as some Asian countries will not let him dive with asthma without one.
There has been some interesting research lately about asthma and volcanoes. They have been implicated in the precipitation of bad attacks, rather like thunderstorms have. It could well be the ash from the lava, but I suggest doubling his inhaler dose if he is near one.
Take a good travel health guide. Lonely Planet publishes an excellent range.
Finally, he must have good travel insurance cover. Make sure it includes any activity he may do and, if it covers diving, check the depth it covers, too. The cheaper ones only go to a shallow depth.
Do not worry though as the health services are excellent in Asia, and with e-mail he can get quick advice from home if he needs it. And don't forget the shots and antimalarials.
· Dr Jules Eden created E-med as an online support service for anyone who finds themselves a long way from a doctor's surgery. You can get free pre-travel information on any destination in the world. Log on and click on the Travel Clinic icon.
Ask the flying doctor If you have any questions you want to ask Dr Jules Eden, email travel.doctor@theguardian.com, or write to The Flying Doctor, The Guardian, 119 Farringdon Road, London EC1R 3ER.
