(NC)-Pack your bags and grab your hat. Those faraway places you've been yearning to see may soon become a reality now that new treatments for Crohn's disease are enabling many people living with the illness to live near-normal lives.
Traveling with any chronic health condition may present a challenge, but when it comes to Crohn's disease, there are extra hurdles. Crohn's disease is a chronic inflammatory illness of the gastro-intestinal tract that may cause diarrhea, abdominal pain and other symptoms.
"Most Crohn's patients think there are more barriers to travel than there really are," says 23-year-old Crohn's patient Veronika Nykl of Ottawa. "If you anticipate the limitations and prepare for them, you can travel." Her freedom to travel is due in part to being on the newest biologic treatment, which manages her symptoms and may be self-administered anywhere.
"As long as their care isn't interrupted, most patients should be able to travel," explains Dr. Brian Bressler, a leading gastroenterologist who practices in Vancouver. However, he advises patients visiting developing countries to consult their local travel clinic for any preventative vaccines that may be required.
Nykl's tips for travelers with Crohn's include:
• request an aisle seat near the washroom
• pack an ample supply of medication
• eat only foods you know you can tolerate
• have a good travel health insurance plan
• know where the health facilities are at your destination
• keep medication in carry-on luggage, packed in original containers
• in developing countries, avoid ingesting uncooked fruits and vegetables, tap water (including in tea, juices or ice cubes) and food from vendors' carts
Visit www.ccfc.ca to get more information about living with Crohn's disease.
- News Canada