Staying in a Hotel on a Business Trip: Practical Preparation for People with House Dust Mite Allergy

Before you leave

Prepare your usual medicines as your doctor advises and carry them with you. Do not put them in checked luggage. If you have asthma, it is a good idea to also bring your plan for handling an attack and your doctor's contact details. You can tell the hotel about your needs in advance and ask whether they offer non-smoking rooms, washable bedding, or whether the room has had a deep clean recently.

A few things to do after you enter the room

• Open the window or turn on ventilation mode first to let the room air out
• Check the bedding for obvious dust or a musty smell, and ask for a change if needed
• You can use your own dust mite proof pillowcase and a travel sleep sack on the pillow and mattress as a barrier
• Avoid strong smelling fragrances, air fresheners and carpet cleaning products
• Hang your coat and backpack away from the bed to reduce bringing outdoor particles onto the bed

When symptoms appear

For mild nose and eye symptoms, you can first ventilate the room, wash your face and do nasal saline irrigation, then rest and observe. If you have wheezing, chest tightness, difficulty breathing, or your symptoms get worse quickly, see a doctor right away. Do not delay. If you need long-term medicine, ask your doctor to review your treatment plan before you travel, so you can still use it regularly and properly while away.

This article is for general information only and is not medical advice. Please follow your doctor's instructions.