How To Plan For A Camping Trip If You Have Plant Allergies

When you need to take a break from it all, you might consider planning a camping trip, which can be exciting. Think about the fresh air in the mountains or in the forest, as well as all the nature surrounding it. It is a time when you can embrace nature, eat marshmallows over the campfire, and simply have a grand time. 

In fact, heading outdoors can help improve your overall health by improving everything from your sleep to your immune function (via Healthline) — if you're looking to kick off your healing era, camping could be a good way to do it. But all that fresh air and nature isn't always the most comfortable environment for some, even if they really love it.

If you suffer from plant allergies, you know the struggles of being outdoors. Without the appropriate precautions during your camping trip, your allergies will have you endlessly coughing, sneezing, having a runny nose, and sniffling about. It could really trigger an uncomfortable reaction in your body (via Eureka!). However, this doesn't mean you shouldn't enjoy a nice camping trip. While plants may be impossible to avoid completely while camping, there are definitely ways to tackle your allergies to get the most relaxation from camping.

If you do suffer from allergies, or potentially asthma, make sure you don't forget any allergy medication. Before your camping trip, talk to your doctor to see if there is anything they could do for you as you prepare for it. They might be able to temporarily increase your dosage depending on your case. Additionally, pack any antihistamines that have been helpful to you when dealing with your allergies. Other items that can be helpful are eye drops, tissues, coconut oil for the skin, or nasal sprays in case of an allergic reaction or allergy attack. Don't forget other important items like an inhaler or an EpiPen if you require one. All of these should be within quick and easy reach throughout your whole camping trip (via Allergy & Asthma Associates).

Part of preparing yourself also includes knowing what kind of environment you and your allergies can tolerate best. Choose appropriate nature spots and times of the year that are less likely to cause an allergy attack. Wherever you go, it is important that you always have a cell phone signal, know who the local allergist is, know where the nearest emergency room and pharmacy is in case of an emergency (via Pasha Snoring and Sinus Center). You can also use The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology online tool that helps you find information for pollen counts in each state as you make your plans.

Once you arrive at your location, pick a spot on your camping site that best suits your allergy needs. For example, reduce any chance of irritation from dust and dirt by setting your campsite up on a grassy spot. However, if your allergy is to grass, find cleared campsites with as little soil or dirt as possible (via Mommy Connections). Your tent can also help you enjoy your camping trip with allergies by using one made with hypoallergenic materials and reliable flaps. This allows you to open and close them as you need, but you should definitely close them when you are not actively in it (via Eureka!).

If you have any campfires, proceed with caution because this can irritate your lungs and potentially cause an asthma attack. If you have asthma, avoid it as much as you can. When it becomes too irresistible, sit distanced from it to avoid being in its smoke direction. Consider how anything and everything in the environment may react with your allergies, per Southern California Allergy. For example, the sun or swimming in the stream can irritate the skin, campfire smoke has its repercussions, insect bites can cause reactions, and you might need to steer clear of some foods depending on your allergies. 

If there is anything you are unsure about at all when camping with allergies, never hesitate to check in with your doctor about what the best plan of action is for your specific needs.