Recommendations for travelling with bronchiectasis: a joint ELF/EMBARC/ERN-Lung collaboration

Abstract

Introduction

People with bronchiectasis frequently request specialist advice to prepare for travelling, but there are few publications providing advice on safe travel with bronchiectasis. There is a need for recommendations on adapting everyday treatment to the requirements during travelling.

Methods

A panel of 13 patient volunteers formulated questions regarding different aspects of travelling, including safety of travel, maintaining regular treatment during travel, and dealing with deterioration while away. Patient input was used to derive a questionnaire and circulated among a panel of bronchiectasis experts. Where 80% or more experts agreed on a response, a recommendation was made.

Results

A total of 26 bronchiectasis experts answered the questionnaire. Recommendations were made on safety of travel, choice of destinations and activities, choice of travel insurance, carrying medications and devices, maintaining regular treatments in transport, documentation to be provided and oxygen requirements. Some statements did not reach an 80% agreement; in many cases these statements may be valid for some, but not all bronchiectasis patients.

Conclusions

The general agreement was that it is considered safe for most people with bronchiectasis to travel. Careful planning and preparation with robust communication between patients and their healthcare provider prior to travel for different scenarios is fundamental to a successful journey.

Short abstract

It is safe for most people with bronchiectasis to travel. Careful planning and preparation for different scenarios are fundamental to a successful journey. http://bit.ly/2yWEowA

Introduction

With increasing availability of transportation, many people of older age and with chronic health conditions are travelling for work or leisure. Bronchiectasis is a chronic condition punctuated by episodes of exacerbations, and treated regularly with oral and inhaled medications and airway clearance [1, 2]. The requirement for uninterrupted treatment to maintain lung health, the risk of a pulmonary exacerbation, and presence of daily symptoms may all interfere with travel. However, maintaining an active life including travel is important for people with bronchiectasis in order to keep working, maintain family and social relationships, and otherwise enjoy what life has to offer. People with bronchiectasis frequently seek advice from healthcare providers before travel regarding safety of travelling, maintenance of a treatment routine while travelling, providing documentation for airline companies and insurance, security screening, obtaining permission for extra hand luggage when flying, and planning to engage in recreational activities.

EMBARC, the European Multicenter Bronchiectasis Audit and Research Collaboration, is an ERS clinical research collaboration dedicated to advancing research and care of patients with bronchiectasis [3]. One of the aspects of this collaboration involves working with patient volunteers, coordinated by the European Lung Foundation (ELF) to involve people with bronchiectasis in research and promotion of care [4]. Some aspects of this collaboration resulted in patient and caregiver-focused documents [5].

Finding recommendations to prepare people with bronchiectasis for travel was an initiative of individuals who are part of the ELF bronchiectasis patient advisory group (PAG). International guidelines on bronchiectasis care do not refer to care while travelling; recommendations for travelling for people with cystic fibrosis (CF) [6] may not always apply for bronchiectasis, as typically people with bronchiectasis are older and suffer from more prevalent comorbidities than people with CF, and that treatment recommendations in general, including access to drugs and devices, are different between CF and bronchiectasis.

Methods

Creating a set of recommendations for travel was one of the EMBARC–ELF PAG initiatives. A group of 13 people with bronchiectasis, volunteering as part of the ELF bronchiectasis PAG, together with three bronchiectasis experts (PG, MS and JDC) developed a list of questions that patients may have regarding various aspects of travelling. The questions were circulated among a wider (45 members) PAG and revised according to further recommendations and comments. A questionnaire was then formed incorporating all questions (table 1; similar items were unified into one question) with suggested responses based on the literature and common practice. The questionnaire was then turned into an online survey. An invitation to participate, along with previous similar documents [6–8] were sent to 37 bronchiectasis experts that were globally based and affiliated to EMBARC. The questionnaire contained 10 questions with a total of 41 statements. Experts were asked for an “agree/disagree” response and free-text comments were encouraged for each statement. Responses were recorded and recommendations made where a statement reached 80% agreement or higher.

TABLE 1.

Statements included in the questionnaire for experts and percentage agreement

Statement	Agree	Disagree
Is it safe for all people with bronchiectasis to travel?
Most people with bronchiectasis can safely travel for vacation or business	96%	4%
It is best to avoid travelling during periods of unstable disease, such as during exacerbations	92%	8%
People with bronchiectasis should consult their healthcare providers and plan for travel	85%	15%
People with very severe bronchiectasis (e.g. candidate for lung transplantation, frequent hospitalisation) should be  advised not to travel abroad	73%	27%
Planning travel: are there destinations and conditions that certain people with bronchiectasis should avoid?
People with bronchiectasis should try to avoid travelling to places with high levels of air pollution	73%	27%
People with bronchiectasis should try to avoid travelling to places with a high prevalence of NTM (e.g. Hawaii, USA)	38%	62%
People with bronchiectasis should try to avoid travelling during influenza season	35%	65%
People with bronchiectasis should consult their healthcare professional regarding staying at high altitudes	85%	15%
Travelling to high-altitude destinations (above 3050 m/10 000 ft) should be avoided in people with bronchiectasis#	32%	68%
People with bronchiectasis should preferably travel to destinations with a nearby bronchiectasis centre	31%	69%
What travel insurance should people with bronchiectasis acquire?
Health insurance with coverage of deterioration of a chronic condition	100%
Health insurance with coverage of hospital admission and emergency room visits#	100%
Health insurance with coverage of repatriation#	68%	32%
What medications and devices should people with bronchiectasis carry with them when travelling?
When travelling, it is recommended that people with bronchiectasis should continue taking their regular  treatments and make arrangements to take enough medications and equipment for the duration of their travel	100%
When travelling, people with bronchiectasis should consult their healthcare professional or respiratory  physiotherapist regarding possible alternatives to heavy or large equipment (e.g. nebulisers)	100%
People with bronchiectasis who suffer frequent pulmonary exacerbations should consult their specialist regarding  carrying antibiotics to be used in case of a pulmonary exacerbation when travelling	100%
Medications taken for travel should be properly stored according to manufacturer's recommendations (particularly  storage temperature, light exposure)	100%
Electricity requirements (e.g. for a nebuliser) and cleaning instructions should be known prior to travelling and  proper adaptations, including checking batteries, should be planned	100%
How can people with bronchiectasis maintain regular treatments when in transport?
It is advised that airway clearance and inhalations are performed while waiting at airports before and after flights.  This is best planned ahead and checked with the airport for the best place to do this	77%	23%
While it is not advised to take cough suppressants for bronchiectasis, it may be considered for long flights where  a cough may be disturbing to other passengers	35%	65%
Do people with bronchiectasis need to prepare and carry certain documents?
It is advised that patients with bronchiectasis carry documentation from the last clinic/hospitalisation visit,  translated into English and preferably also into the language of the country of destination	81%	19%
A document for travel may be prepared and should include: patient's health status, allergies, chronic bacterial  infections, regular medications and devices used regularly, recommended medications during exacerbation	100%
It is advised that patients with bronchiectasis carry a translation of a disability card# (such as a European Union  disability parking card) if eligible and where available	84%	16%
When travelling in a guided tour, it is advised that people with bronchiectasis should notify the travel company of  their condition	69%	31%
What are oxygen requirements on the flight and at the travel destination?
Oxygen requirements during commercial flights should be predicted before flight	100%
In people with an FEV1 <55% pred or oxygen saturation <93% at ambient air, a hypoxia inhalation test should be  performed	77%	23%
In people with FEV1 <1.5 L, a hypoxia inhalation test should be performed#	44%	56%
When planning travel to destinations between 2000 and 3050 m, considerations as for commercial flights should  be made	92%	8%
How else can people with bronchiectasis be prepared to travel?
It is recommended that people with bronchiectasis seek advice for travellers and follow recommended  immunisations for the destination	100%
Recommended medications while travelling (such as for the prevention of malaria) should be checked for  interactions with regular treatments and with treatments during exacerbations	100%
It is recommended that people with bronchiectasis should be stable prior to travelling, if symptoms typical for an  exacerbation develop shortly before travelling, treatment should be started and travel postponed if possible	96%	4%
People with severe bronchiectasis and chronic Pseudomonas sp. infection may be advised to receive treatment  with an intravenous antibiotic course shortly before travelling to prevent an exacerbation while away	50%	50%
What kind of activities may people with bronchiectasis engage in while on holiday and what precautions are recommended?
It is recommended that people with bronchiectasis should use sun protection while using medications that  increase photosensitivity (e.g. ciprofloxacin, doxycycline)	100%
It is recommended that people with bronchiectasis take measures to avoid dehydration while in a hot climate	100%
It is advised that people with bronchiectasis maintain general measures of hygiene to prevent cross-infection:  hand hygiene, wearing face masks in crowded places	88%	12%
It is recommended that all people with bronchiectasis refrain from SCUBA diving	35%	65%
It may be safe for people with bronchiectasis to SCUBA dive if they are asymptomatic (no sputum or shortness of  breath at the time of diving) and lung function is normal (FEV1 and peak expiratory flow should both be  >80% pred, FEV1/forced vital capacity >75%)	85%	15%
It is recommended that people with bronchiectasis should be aware of their own limitations to strenuous activities  and limit their participation in such activities accordingly. This refers to sports including hiking, swimming and  snorkelling, but also less strenuous activities such as short walks uphill and climbing stairs	96%	4%
Where should people with bronchiectasis get help if they get sick while away?
Prior to travel, people with bronchiectasis should be advised on increasing airway clearance if suffering an  exacerbation while away	96%	4%
Prior to travel, people with bronchiectasis should be advised when to take antibiotics, including a recommendation  for an oral antibiotic, dose and duration	100%
People with bronchiectasis should be advised when and where to seek medical care at their destination	88%	12%

NTM: nontuberculous mycobacteria; FEV₁: forced expiratory volume in 1 s; SCUBA: self-contained underwater breathing apparatus; % pred: % predicted. ^#: 25 out of 26 responded; all other items had 26 responses.

In addition, a systematic PubMed search was conducted for the terms: “bronchiectasis”; “non cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis”; “travel”; “high altitude”; supplemental oxygen”; “SCUBA diving”; “cross infection”, and also “cystic fibrosis” and “travel” to identify any previous publications on travelling with bronchiectasis.

Results

No studies were identified that assessed the safety of travel, including air travel, in people with bronchiectasis. Consensus statements regarding travel in people with CF [6] and air travel in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) [9] exist but do not make specific recommendations for people with bronchiectasis without CF or COPD, respectively. Documents regarding air travel [10] and SCUBA diving [11] make references to bronchiectasis.

A total of 26 respondents based at institutions in Europe (n=19), United States (n=3), Australia and New Zealand (n=2), India (n=1), and Israel (n=1) completed an online survey. The questions and percentage of responders that agreed are listed in table 1.

Is it safe for all people with bronchiectasis to travel?

Recommendations:

• 1) Most people with bronchiectasis can safely travel for vacation or business (96% agreement).

• 2) It is best to avoid travelling during periods of unstable disease, such as during exacerbations (92% agreement).

• 3) People with bronchiectasis should consult their healthcare providers and plan for travel (85% agreement).

Other statement considered:

• People with very severe bronchiectasis (e.g. candidates for lung transplantation and with frequent hospitalisations) should be advised not to travel abroad (73% agreement).

There is scarce evidence regarding safety of travel in people with bronchiectasis, and these recommendations are mostly based on a common-sense approach considering the nature of bronchiectasis. Most people with bronchiectasis should have no limitations and often do not seek expert advice before travelling. In other cases, an individual approach should be made, taking into consideration the severity of the condition, oxygen requirements and frequency of exacerbations. Patients and healthcare providers should also consider the length of travel, mode of transportation and the conditions and access to medical care at the destination. Considerations may be different for patients required to travel for business. In such cases, it is the responsibility of the advising physician to support their decision to avoid travelling if such a journey may compromise their health condition. In other cases, the emphasis should be on supporting people, even with life-limiting conditions, to enjoy travel by planning ahead.

Planning travel: are there destinations and conditions that certain people with bronchiectasis should avoid?

Recommendation:

• 4) People with bronchiectasis should consult their healthcare professional regarding staying at high altitudes (85% agreement).

Other statements considered:

• People with bronchiectasis should try to avoid travelling to places with high levels of air pollution (73% agreement).

• People with bronchiectasis should try to avoid travelling to places with a high prevalence of nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) such as Hawaii, USA (38% agreement).

• People with bronchiectasis should try to avoid travelling during influenza season (35% agreement).

• Travelling to high-altitude destinations (above 3050 m/10 000 ft) should be avoided in people with bronchiectasis (32% agreement).

• People with bronchiectasis should preferably travel to destinations with a nearby bronchiectasis centre (31% agreement).

When staying at high altitudes above 2000 m, several environmental changes may have consequences in people with chronic lung disease and bronchiectasis in particular. Most importantly, as barometric pressure decreases, oxygen concentration decreases. This predisposes all individuals ascending to high-altitude destinations to several acute illnesses, including high-altitude pulmonary oedema [12]. In individuals with chronic respiratory conditions causing hypoxaemia at sea level, ascending to high altitudes may worsen hypoxaemia and predispose to respiratory and cardiac failure. While there is no literature on people with bronchiectasis travelling to high-altitude destinations, recommendations regarding individuals with chronic lung diseases such as asthma, COPD and CF exist [9, 12, 13] and are largely based on exposure to high altitude during air travel. However, although the oxygen concentration during a commercial flight is comparable to that of altitudes of ∼2000 m, there are differences in the conditions between air travel and staying at elevated-altitude destinations, mainly the level of physical exertion, and length of exposure to high altitude.

Based on studies in people with COPD during commercial flights and adapting these findings to high-altitude destinations, Stream et al. [12] recommended that travel to altitudes above 3050 m (10 000 ft) should be avoided in people with COPD. Individuals already on supplemental oxygen should continue to use it during their high-altitude stay, but should increase the flow at rest and during exertion. Patients with an forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV₁) <1.5 L who are not receiving supplemental oxygen should undergo a pre-travel evaluation (using hypoxia simulation or prediction equations; table 2) to determine their need for supplemental oxygen at high altitude, with oxygen prescribed if the PaO₂ is predicted to fall below 50 mmHg [10]. While there are many differences between COPD and bronchiectasis, due to scarcity of data on bronchiectasis, and because of similar age and comorbidities as people with COPD, these recommendations can be adopted for people with severe bronchiectasis. However, the recommendation on avoiding altitudes above 3050 m altogether did not reach agreement for all people with bronchiectasis, and should be individualised on the basis of severity.

TABLE 2.

Examples of equations for predicting hypoxaemia

PaO2 Alt=0.410×PaO2Ground+17.652

PaO2 Alt=0.519×PaO2Ground+11.855×(FEV1 L)−1.760

PaO2 Alt=0.453×PaO2Ground+0.386×(FEV1 % pred)+2.44

PaO2 Alt=22.8−(2.74×altitude in 1000s of feet)+0.68×PaO2Ground

P_aO2 Alt: predicted arterial oxygen tension at altitude (in millimetres of mercury); P_aO2Ground: measured arterial oxygen tension at sea level (in millimetres of mercury); FEV₁: forced expiratory volume in 1 s; % pred: % predicted. Information from [10].

Pulmonary exacerbations in people with bronchiectasis are temporally linked to periods of air pollution [14, 15]. It therefore makes sense to advise people with bronchiectasis against travelling to places with heavy air pollution. This recommendation reached 73% agreement, with a comment that only those with moderate to severe bronchiectasis and those who are prone to exacerbations [16] should avoid highly polluted places. Information regarding global air quality from multiple monitoring stations is found at: www.aqicn.org/map.

People with bronchiectasis are at risk of acquiring infections with NTM [17–21] with prevalence rates that range from 5% [17] to 50% in different series [19]. Series from the United States, especially Hawaii, repeatedly report an elevated prevalence of NTM pulmonary disease. However, little is known about the risk of acquiring infection when travelling to locations with a high risk of NTM for a holiday or even for an extended period of time. It is therefore not recommended for people with bronchiectasis to avoid travelling to places with a high prevalence of NTM. However, this recommendation may be individualised for people with severe bronchiectasis and features of a high risk of NTM infection [17].

When ill during travel, people with bronchiectasis may need to consult local healthcare professionals. For people with very severe bronchiectasis, it may be advised to locate a bronchiectasis centre close to the travel destination and even contact a specialist to inform them about the individual travelling to their area. However, since most people with bronchiectasis may be instructed to self-manage during exacerbations, it is not advised to restrict all individuals to travel exclusively to places with bronchiectasis centres.

Air travel can be associated with an elevated risk of airborne infections, such as viruses. It is reasonable to suspect that travelling during a period of a respiratory disease outbreak (such as influenza) can increase the risk of acquiring influenza and a pulmonary exacerbation. However, while annual influenza immunisation is advised in bronchiectasis guidelines [22], the expert panel does not recommend that people with bronchiectasis avoid travel during influenza season. General precautions for hand hygiene and lung health, including cough etiquette should be followed.

What travel insurance should people with bronchiectasis acquire?

Recommendation:

• 5) People with bronchiectasis should acquire health insurance with a coverage of deterioration of a chronic condition (100% agreement).

• 6) People with bronchiectasis should acquire health insurance with a coverage of hospital admission and emergency room visits (100% agreement).

Other statement considered:

• People with bronchiectasis should acquire health insurance with coverage of repatriation (68% agreement).

Bronchiectasis is a chronic illness punctuated by episodes of increasing signs and symptom exacerbations, requiring a change in treatment. While most people with bronchiectasis can self-manage mild exacerbations, the need for specialist care while away may not always be predicted. It is therefore advised to acquire medical insurance that covers a deterioration of a chronic condition, including hospital admission and emergency room visits, especially for those with frequent exacerbations or hospitalisations (100% agreement). While obtaining travel insurance with a coverage of repatriation was recommended by the majority of experts, it did not reach our consensus definition. Some experts gave the reasoning that repatriation is not a medical need and therefore cannot be recommended. It remains at the decision of the individual travelling to obtain this coverage.

What medications and devices should people with bronchiectasis carry with them when travelling?

Recommendations:

• 7) When travelling, it is recommended that people with bronchiectasis should continue taking their regular treatments and make arrangements to take enough medications and equipment for the duration of their travel (100% agreement).

• 8) When travelling, people with bronchiectasis should consult their healthcare professional or respiratory physiotherapist regarding possible alternatives to heavy or large equipment such as nebulisers (100% agreement).

• 9) People with bronchiectasis who suffer frequent pulmonary exacerbations should consult their specialist regarding carrying antibiotics to be used in case of a pulmonary exacerbation when travelling (100% agreement).

• 10) Medications taken for travel should be properly stored according to manufacturer's recommendations, particularly storage temperature and light exposure (100% agreement).

• 11) Electricity requirements (e.g. for a nebuliser) and cleaning instructions should be known prior to travelling and proper adaptations, including checking batteries should be planned (100% agreement).

It is advisable to provide patients with bronchiectasis with an action plan to be carried when travelling regarding specific medications to be taken when stable and during exacerbations. Antibiotics for an exacerbation should be based on prior sputum cultures and past exacerbation history. Instructions for storage of common medications for bronchiectasis are summarised in table 3, and it is always advisable for patients to refer to the package insert/summary of product characteristics. In general, it is advisable to take the routine medication for daily care as cabin baggage due to the risk of loss when baggage has been checked in. In addition, medication supply should exceed the planned duration of travel for 1 or 2 weeks in order to be prepared for unexpected delays in return. Nebulisers and chest wall oscillators may be heavy and inconvenient to carry; electricity requirements may vary from place to place and operation by batteries is only possible for some nebulisers. The appropriate means for cleaning and sterilising medical equipment (e.g. nebulisers and mucus-clearance devices) should be available when travelling.

TABLE 3.

Storage conditions for common medications for bronchiectasis

Drug name	Common trade names in Europe	Storage conditions	Comments
Oral antibiotics and antifungals
Azithromycin	Cap. azithromycin 250 mg Cap. Azenil 250 mg Cap. azithromycin Inovamed 250 mg Cap. Zithromax 250 mg Tab. Zeto 250 mg Tab. azithromycin 250 mg	Cap., tab.: store in the original package in order to protect from light; store below 25°C	Skin photosensitivity: uncommon (≤1%) Alcohol: no special recommendation
	Azenil 200 mg/5 mL powder for oral susp. Azithromycin 200 mg/5 mL powder for oral susp. Azithromycin Teva 200 mg/5 mL powder for oral susp. Zithromax 200 mg/5 mL powder for oral susp.	Powder for susp.: store below 25°C Reconstituted susp.: store at room temperature, below 25°C After reconstitution of the powder, use the susp. within 5 days; shake immediately prior to use
Erythromycin	Tab. erythromycin 250 mg Tab. Erythro Teva 250 mg; 500 mg Tab. Erythrocin 250 mg; 500 mg Tab. Erythroped A 500 mg	Tab.: store in a dry place, below 25°C	Alcohol: may decrease the absorption of erythromycin or enhance effects of alcohol (ethanol); the combination should be avoided
	Erythromycin SF granules for oral susp. 125 mg/5 mL; 250 mg/5 mL; 500 mg/5 mL Erythromycin ethyl succinate granules for oral susp. 125 mg/5 mL; 250 mg/5 mL; 500 mg/5 mL Erythroped SF 250 mg/5 mL; 500 mg/5 mL Primacine granules for oral susp. 250 mg/5 mL	Granules for susp.: store below 25°C Reconstituted susp.: store in a refrigerator (2–8°C); do not freeze After reconstitution, use the suspension within 14 days; shake immediately prior to use
Roxithromycin	Tab. Rulid 150 mg; 300 mg Tab. Roxo 150 mg	Tab.: store below 25°C	Alcohol: no special recommendation
Clarithromycin	Tab. Karin 250 mg, 500 mg Tab. Klacid SR 500 mg Tab. clarithromycin 250 mg, 500 mg Tab. Klaricid XL 500 mg Prolonged release tab. Mycifor XL 500 mg Caplets Klaridex 250 mg	Tab., caplets: store in the original package in order to protect from light and moisture; store below 25°C (some manufacturers permit excursions up to 30°C)	Alcohol: no special recommendation
	Sachet Klaricid adult 250 mg	Sachet: store in a dry place, below 30°C Mix the contents of the sachet with a small amount of water before taking to make the granules easier to swallow
	Klacid paediatric granules for susp. 125 mg/5 mL Susp. Clarithromycin 125 mg/5 mL; 250 mg/5 mL Oral susp. clarithromycin 125 mg/5 mL; 250 mg/5 mL Klaricid paediatric susp. 125 mg/5 mL; 250 mg/5 mL	Granules for susp.: store below 30°C Reconstituted susp.: store at room temperature, below 25°C (up to 30°C according to manufacturer) and use within 14 days from reconstitution; do not refrigerate or freeze the reconstituted suspension; shake immediately prior to use
Amoxicillin	Cap. amoxicillin 250 mg; 500 mg Cap. Amoxil 250 mg; 500 mg Cap. Moxyvit 250 mg Cap. Moxyvit forte 500 mg Cap. Moxypen forte 500 mg	Cap.: store in a dry place, below 25°C	Alcohol: no special recommendation
	Amoxicillin powder for oral susp. 125 mg/5 mL; 250 mg/5 mL Amoxicillin powder for oral susp. SF 125 mg/5 mL; 250 mg/5 mL Moxyvit forte powder for oral susp. 250 mg/5 mL Moxypen forte powder for susp. 250 mg/5 mL	Powder for susp.: store in a dry place, below 25°C Reconstituted susp.: according to manufacturer instructions, store in a refrigerator (2–8°C) or at room temperature (below 25°C) and use within 7–14 days#; shake immediately prior to use
Amoxicillin–clavulanic acid	Tab. Amoxiclav Teva 875 mg Tab. Augmentin 250 mg; 500 mg; 875 mg Tab. co-amoxiclav 250 mg; 500 mg Tab. Maclivan 500 mg	Tab.: store in the original package in order to protect from moisture; store below 25°C Augmentin tab. supplied in an aluminium pouch should be used within 30 days of opening the pouch	Alcohol: no special recommendation
	Augmentin powder for oral susp. 250 mg/5 mL; 400 mg/5 mL Augmentin ES Augmentin powder for oral susp. 600 mg/5 mL Co-amoxiclav powder for oral suspension 125 mg/5 mL; 250 mg/5 mL; 400 mg/5 mL Maclivan powder for oral suspension 250 mg/5 mL; 400 mg/5 mL	Powder for susp.: store in the original package in order to protect from moisture; store below 25°C Reconstituted susp.: according to manufacturer instructions, store in a refrigerator (2–8°C) and use within 7–10 days#
Doxycycline	Cap. Doxy 100 mg Cap. doxycycline 50 mg; 100 mg Cap. Vibramycin Hyclate 100 mg Tab. Doxylin 100 mg Vibramycin-D 100 mg Dispersible tabs Vibra-Tabs 100 mg	Cap., tab.: store in the original package in order to protect from light and moisture; store below 25°C#	Skin photosensitivity: sunlight or ultraviolet light exposure increases the risk of photosensitivity; use skin protection and avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight and ultraviolet light; avoid use of tanning equipment. Discontinue the treatment at first sign of skin erythema Alcohol: ingestion may shorten the half-life of doxycycline and reduce its serum concentration; the combination should be avoided
	Doxycycline powder for susp. 25 mg/5 mL Vibramycin monohydrate powder for susp. 25 mg·mL−1	Powder for susp.: store in the original package in order to protect from light and moisture; store below 25°C# Reconstituted susp.: store in the original package in order to protect from light and moisture; store below 25°C (up to 30°C according to manufacturer); use within 14 days from reconstitution; shake immediately prior to use
	Vibramycin calcium syrup 50 mg·mL−1	Syrup: store in the original package in order to protect from light and moisture; store below 30°C
Minocycline	Cap. minocycline 50 mg; 100 mg Cap. Minoclin 100 mg Tab. minocycline 50 mg; 100 mg	Cap., tab.: store in the original package in order to protect from light; store below 25°C	Skin photosensitivity: may cause photosensitivity; use skin protection and avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight and ultraviolet light; avoid use of tanning equipment Discontinue the treatment if skin erythema occurs Alcohol: no special recommendation
Cefuroxime	Tab. Zinnat 125 mg; 250 mg; 500 mg Tab. Cefuroxime 250 mg	Tab. store in the original package in order to protect from moisture; store below 30°C	Alcohol: no special recommendation
	Zinnat powder for oral susp. 125 mg/5 mL; 250 mg/5 mL	Powder for suspension: store in the original package, below 30°C Reconstituted susp.: store in a refrigerator (2–8°C); do not freeze After reconstitution, use the susp. within 10 days; shake the bottle vigorously before the medication is taken
Cephalexin	Cap. Cefovit 250 mg; forte 500 mg Cap., tab. Cefalexin 250 mg; 500 mg Tab. Keflex 250 mg; 500 mg	Cap.: store in a dry place, below 25°C	Alcohol: no special recommendation
	Cefovit powder for oral susp. 125 mg/5 mL; Cefovit forte 250 mg/5 mL Cefalexin granules for oral susp. 125 mg/5 mL; 250 mg/5 mL Keflex granules for oral susp. 125 mg/5 mL; 250 mg/5 mL	Powder/granules for susp.: store in a dry place, below 25°C Reconstituted susp.: according to manufacturer instructions, store in a refrigerator (2–8°C) and use within 10–14 days#; shake well before each use
SMX-TMP	Caplets Diseptyl forte 800 mg/160 mg Tab. co-trimoxazole 400 mg/80 mg Tab. co-trimoxazole forte 800 mg/160 mg Tab. Septrin 400 mg/80 mg Tab. Septrin forte 800 mg/160 mg	Cap., tab.: store in the original package, below 25°C	Skin photosensitivity: as been reported with SMX-TMP; use with caution; use skin protection and avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight and ultraviolet light; avoid use of tanning equipment Discontinue the treatment if skin erythema occurs Alcohol: a disulfiram-like reaction (flushing, sweating, palpitations and drowsiness) may occur if alcohol (0.5–1 L of an alcoholic drink e.g. beer) is ingested
	Susp. Diseptyl 200 mg/40 mg in 5 mL Co-trimoxazole paediatric susp. 200 mg/40 mg in 5 mL Co-trimoxazole adult susp. 400 mg/80 mg in 5 mL Septrin paediatric susp. 200 mg/40 mg in 5 mL Septrin adult susp. 400 mg/80 mg in 5 mL	Susp. Store in a dark and dry place, below 25°C Use within 10 days of opening#.
Ciprofloxacin	Tab. Ciprodex 250 mg; 500 mg; 750 mg Tab. ciprofloxacin Teva 250 mg; 500 mg; 750 mg Ciprofloxacin 100 mg; 250 mg; 500 mg; 750 mg film-coated tab. Tab. Ciproxin 500 mg	Tab. store in the original package, below 25°C	Skin photosensitivity: ciprofloxacin has been shown to cause photosensitivity reactions; use skin protection and avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight and ultraviolet light; avoid use of tanning equipment Discontinue the treatment if skin erythema occurs Caffeine: ciprofloxacin has been shown to interfere with the metabolism of caffeine leading to increased caffeine concentrations; patients consuming regular large quantities of caffeinated beverages may need to restrict caffeine intake if excessive cardiac or central nervous system stimulation occurs; the effect of this interaction is greater in females
	Ciproxin 250 mg/5 mL, granules and solvent for oral susp.	Ciproxin: store the granules and solvent below 25°C; protect the solvent from freezing; avoid inverted storage The ready-to-use oral susp. (utilising the individual components) is stable only for 14 days when either stored in a refrigerator (2–8°C) or at temperatures up to 30°C; protect the reconstituted susp. from freezing
Moxifloxacin	Tab. Megaxin 400 mg Tab., film-coated Moxicloxacin 400 mg Tab. Avelox 400 mg	Tab.: store in the original package in order to protect from moisture; store below 25°C	Skin photosensitivity: quinolones have been shown to cause photosensitivity reactions in patients; use skin protection and avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight and ultraviolet light; avoid use of tanning equipment Discontinue the treatment if skin erythema occurs
Fluconazole	Cap. Flucanol 50 mg; 100 mg; 150 mg; 200 mg Cap. fluconazole Teva 150 mg Cap. Trican 50 mg, 100 mg, 150 mg, 200 mg Cap. fluconazole/Azocan 50 mg, 150 mg, 200 mg	Cap.: store in a dry place below 25°C#	Alcohol: no special recommendation
	Fluconazole powder for oral susp. (Genus Pharmaceuticals) 50 mg/5 mL Diflucan powder for oral suspension 10 mg/mL; 40 mg/mL	Powder for susp.: store in a dry place, below 25°C Reconstituted susp. store in a refrigerator (2–8°C) or at temperatures up to 30°C use within 14–28 days#; protect the reconstituted susp. from freezing; shake well before administration
Itraconazole	Cap. Itranol 100 mg Cap. itraconazole 100 mg	Cap.: store in the original package in order to protect from moisture; store below 25°C	Skin photosensitivity: uncommon (≤2%); case reports have been described Use skin protection and avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight and ultraviolet light; avoid use of tanning equipment Discontinue the treatment if skin erythema occurs Alcohol: no special recommendation
	Cap. Sporanox	Sporanox cap.: up to 30°C
	Sporanox oral solution 10 mg·mL−1	Powder for susp.: store below 25°C; use within 30 days of opening
	Itraconazole 10 mg·mL−1 oral solution
Expectorants and cough suppressants
Acetylcysteine	Reolin effervescent tablets 200 mg Siran 200 mg effervescent tablets	Effervescent tablets: store in the original package in order to protect from moisture; store below 25°C; close the tube immediately after taking out the tablet After dissolving the tablet, it must be used immediately Reolin: use within 2 years after the first opening or until the expiry date Siran: use within 4 weeks after the first opening	Alcohol: no special recommendation
	Sachet acetylcysteine 200 mg powder for oral solution	Powder for oral solution: store in the original package in order to protect from moisture Reconstituted solution: the product must be used immediately
Guaifenesin	Resyl syrup 100 mg/5  mL (contains 6% alcohol by volume) Benylin syrup for children's chesty coughs 50 mg/5 mL Benylin syrup Mucus Cough Max honey and lemon flavour 100 mg/5 mL (contains 4.7% alcohol by volume) Oral solution Benylin Mucus Cough Max menthol flavour 100 mg/5 mL (contains 4.7% alcohol by volume) Boots chesty cough relief 100 mg/5 mL oral solution Boots chesty cough syrup 6 years plus (contains alcohol) Boots mucus cough relief 100 mg/5 mL oral solution Covonia chesty cough SF syrup Robitussin chesty cough medicine 100 mg/5mL−1 oral solution (contains 2.7% v/v alcohol) Lemsip cough for chesty cough 50 mg/5 mL oral solution	Syrup: store in the original package, below 25°C Resyl: store below 30°C; use within 6 months of opening Benylin honey and lemon flavour: use within 6 months of opening Oral solution: store below 25°C Benylin menthol flavour: store in the original container to protect from light and use within 4 weeks of opening	Alcohol: some products contain alcohol; therefore, these formulations can emphasise the effect of sedatives (including alcohol) and myorelaxants Avoid concurrent use or use caution when motor skills are required
Other oral medications
Prednisone	Tab. prednisone 1 mg; 5 mg; 20 mg Modified-release tab. Lodotra 1 mg; 2 mg; 5 mg	Tab.: store in a dark and dry place, below 25°C Tab. prednisone 1 mg: use within 2 months of opening (but not after the expiry date) Lodotra: store below 25°C and use within 14 weeks of opening (but not after the expiry date)	Alcohol: no special recommendation
Prednisolone	Tab. Pevanti 2.5 mg; 5 mg; 10 mg; 20 mg; 25 mg Tab. prednisolone 1 mg, 2.5 mg; 5 mg; 10 mg; 20 mg; 25 mg; 30 mg Tab. prednisolone gastro-resistant 1 mg; 2.5 mg; 5 mg Soluble tab. prednisolone 5 mg	Tab. (also gastro-resistant and soluble tab.): store in the original package in order to protect from light and moisture, below 25°C Pevanti: use within 6 months of opening (but not after the expiry date)	Alcohol: some products contain alcohol; avoid concurrent use of ethanol with these formulations or use caution when motor skills are required
	Danalone syrup 15 mg/5 mL (contains alcohol)	Syrup: store below 25°C but not in the refrigerator; close firmly, and prevent penetration of air and moisture
	Prednisolone Dompe 1 mg·mL−1 oral solution (single-dose containers) Prednisolone 10 mg·mL−1 oral solution	Dompe: before opening, store in the original package; store below 30°C Once opened, the container must be discarded once the dose is removed Prednisolone 10 mg·mL−1: keep the container in the outer carton in order to protect from light Before opening, store in a refrigerator (2–8°C) Once opened, store below 25°C and use within 3 months
Proton pump inhibitors
Omeprazole	Caplets Omepradex 10 mg; 20 mg; 40 mg Caplets Omepradex-Z 20 mg	Caplets: store in the original package, below 25°C	Skin photosensitivity: has been described but is rare (≤0.1%) Alcohol: no special recommendation
	Cap. Losec 20 mg (Israel) Cap. Omepra 10 mg; 20 mg; 40 mg Cap. Omeprix 20 mg Cap. Losec 10 mg; 20 mg; 40 mg (Europe) Cap. Mepradec gastro-resistant 10, 20 mg Cap. Omeprazole gastro-resistant 10 mg; 20 mg; 40 mg Cap. Prenome 10 mg; 20 mg; 40 mg Cap. Omeprazole 10 mg; 20 mg; 40 mg Tab. Omeprazole Gastro-resistant 10 mg; 20 mg; 40 mg Pyrocalm Control 20 mg gastro-resistant tablets	Cap., tab.: store below 25°C Store in the original package in order to protect from moisture, below 25–30°C and use within 3 months of opening of the bottle#
Esomeprazole	Tab. esomeprazole Inovamed 20 mg; 40 mg Tab. Nexium 20 mg; 40 mg Tab. esomeprazole gastro-resistant 20 mg; 40 mg Cap. Emozul gastro-resistant 20 mg, 40 mg Cap. esomeprazole gastro-resistant 20 mg; 40 mg Ventra gastro-resistant capsules 20 mg; 40 mg	Tab., cap.: store in the original package in order to protect from moisture Store below 25–30°C# and use within 3–6 months after first opening of the bottle#	Skin photosensitivity: has been described in the literature but is rare (≤0.1%) Alcohol: no special recommendation
	Sachet Nexium 10 mg gastro-resistant granules for oral susp.	Granules for oral susp.: use within 30 min after reconstitution
Lansoprazole	Cap. lansoprazole 15 mg; 30 mg Cap. Lanton 15 mg; 30 mg Cap. lansoprazole gastro-resistant 15 mg; 30 mg Orodispersible tab. lansoprazole 15 mg; 30 mg Zoton Fas-Tab 15 mg; 30 mg	Cap., tab.: store in the original package in order to protect from light and moisture; store below 25°C Use within 2 months to 100 days after first opening of the bottle#	Skin photosensitivity: has been described in the literature but is rare (≤0.1%) Alcohol: no special recommendation
Pantoprazole	Tab. Contrololc 20 mg; 40 mg Pantoloc Control 20 mg gastro-resistant tablets Tab. Pantoprazole gastro-resistant 20 mg; 40 mg	Tab. store in the original package in order to protect from moisture; store below 25°C Use within 6 months after first opening of the bottle#	Skin photosensitivity: has been described in the literature (but the frequency cannot be estimated from the available data); use with caution Alcohol: no special recommendation
H2 blockers
Famotidine	Tab. famotidine Teva 20 mg; 40 mg Tab. Famo 20 mg; 40 mg Tab. Gastro 10 mg; 20 mg; 40 mg Tab. Pepcid 20 mg; 40 mg	Tab. store in the original package in order to protect from light and moisture; store below 25°C	Alcohol: no special recommendation
	Pepcid powder for oral susp. 40 mg/5 mL	Powder for susp.: store in the original package at 25°C; excursions permitted to 15–30°C Reconstituted susp.: after reconstitution, use the suspension within 30 days; protect from freezing
Ranitidine	Tab. Zaridex 150 mg; 300 mg Tab. Ranitidine film-coated 150 mg; 300 mg Tab. Zantac 75 mg; 150 mg; 300 mg	Tab.: store in the original package, below 25°C	Alcohol: co-ingestion of alcohol (1.5–2 drinks) while on ranitidine may result in higher blood alcohol concentrations, although the clinical significance is uncertain In addition, some products contain alcohol; avoid concurrent use of ethanol with these formulations or use caution when motor skills are required
	Zantac syrup 150 mg/10 mL (contains ∼7.5% w/v alcohol)	Syrup: store below 25°C and use within 28 days of opening
	Ranitidine 150 mg/10 mL oral solution (contains ∼8% w/v alcohol) Ranitidine 30 mg·mL−1 oral solution (contains ∼7.5% w/v alcohol)	Oral solution: store in original carton/bottle in order to protect from light; store below 25°C
Antacids
Aluminium hydroxide,   magnesium hydroxide and   dimethicone/simethicone	Maalox Plus chewable tablets (200 mg magnesium hydroxide, 200 mg hydrated aluminium oxide and 25 mg dimethicone in a tablet)	Tab.: store in the original package, below 25°C	Alcohol: no special recommendation
	Maalox Plus oral susp. (225 mg aluminium hydroxide, 200 mg magnesium hydroxide and 25 mg simethicone in 5 mL)	Oral susp.: store below 25°C and use within 28 days of opening; shake well before administration
Calcium carbonate	Chewable tab. Tums Chewable tab. N-Zarevet Chewable tab.	Chewable tab.: store in the original package, below 25°C N-Zarevet: use within 12 months after first opening of the bottle	Alcohol: no special recommendation
Calcium carbonate and   magnesium carbonate	Chewable tab. Rennie Chewable tab. Rolaids	Chewable tab.: store in the original package, below 25°C	Alcohol: no special recommendation
	Rolaids mint liquid (550 mg calcium carbonate and 110 mg magnesium hydroxide in 5 mL)	Liquid: do not freeze
Calcium carbonate, sodium   bicarbonate and sodium   alginate	Chewable tab. Gaviscon	Chewable tab.: store in the original package in order to protect from moisture; below 25–30°C#	Alcohol: no special recommendation
	Gaviscon peppermint liquid	Liquid: store in the original package, below 25–30°C (according to manufacturer instructions) and use within 6 months of opening
	Gaviscon liquid sachets mint flavour (500 mg sodium alginate, 267 mg sodium bicarbonate and 160 mg calcium carbonate per 10-mL dose)	Liquid sachet: store in the original package, below 25°C; discard any unused contents
Bronchodilators: inhalers and solution
Salbutamol MDI	Ventolin inhaler CFC-Free 100 µg per dose Salbutrim CFC-free inhaler 100 µg per dose	Ventolin, Salbutrim: store below 30°C; protect from frost and direct sunlight If the inhaler gets very cold, take the metal container out of the plastic case and warm it in your hands for a few minutes; do not use anything else to warm it up	Alcohol: no special recommendation
	Easyhaler Salbutamol 100 µg per dose, 200 µg per dose Salamol Easi-Breathe 100 µg per dose	Easyhaler: store in a dry place, at a temperature below 25°C; use within 6 months after first opening of foil pouch
	Salbulin MDPI Novolizer	Salbulin: store below 30°C; use within 6 months after first opening the container
Ipratropium MDI	MDI Atrovent 20 µg per dose	MDI: store below 25°C (Europe) or 30°C (Israel); protect from frost and direct sunlight; do not expose to temperature >50°C	Alcohol: no special recommendation
Salbutamol (solution)	Ventolin respirator solution 5 mg·mL−1 (0.5% w/v)	Ventolin respirator solution: store below 25–30°C#; protect from light; discard any contents remaining 1 month after opening the bottle A fresh solution should be prepared before each usage	Alcohol: no special recommendation
	Ventolin Nebules 2.5 mg/2.5 mL (0.1% w/v), 5 mg/2.5 mL (0.2% w/v) Ampules Salbutamol 2.5 mg/2.5 mL nebuliser solution; 5 mg/2.5 mL	Ventolin Nebules, Ampules Salbutamol: store below 25–30°C#; protect from light after removal from the foil overwrap pouch Use nebules 3 months after removal from the foil pouch; use immediately after first opening of the ampule and discard any unused contents
Ipratropium (solution)	Aerovent respirator solution 0.25 mg·mL−1	Respirator solution: store below 25°C; do not freeze Discard any contents remaining 1 month after opening the bottle A fresh solution should be prepared before each usage	Alcohol: no special recommendation
	Atrovent 250 UDVs, 1 mL; Atrovent UDVs, 2 mL–0.25 mg·mL−1 vials Ampules ipratropium bromide 250 µg/1 mL nebuliser solution; 500 µg/2 mL nebuliser solution	Atrovent 250 UDVs, Atrovent UDVs, Ampules Ipratropium bromide: keep the vials in the outer carton; store below 25°C Use immediately after first opening of the ampule and discard any unused contents
Other inhaled medications
Isotonic saline (sodium  chloride 0.9% w/v)	Ampules sodium chloride 0.9% Fresenius 5 mL; 10 mL; 20 mL per ampule Saline nebuliser solution Arrow 2.5 mL per ampule Saline Steripoules 2.5 mL	Ampules: store below 25°C; do not refrigerate or freeze Saline nebuliser solution Strips of 10 ampules are overwrapped in an aluminium foil pack; ampules removed from the foil overwrap should be used within 90 days	Alcohol: no special recommendation
Hypertonic saline (sodium  chloride 3%, 6%, 7% w/v)	INH Solution MucoClear (sodium chloride) 3%, 4 mL per ampule INH Solution MucoClear (sodium chloride) 6%, 4 mL per ampule	MucoClear: store below 25°C; do not refrigerate or freeze	Alcohol: no special recommendation
	INH Solution PulmoSal 7%, (pH+) 4 mL per vial	Pulmosal: store at room temperature, 15–30°C; avoid excessive heat and protect from freezing
Inhaled antimicrobials
CMS	Vial Coliracin 1 000 000 units per vial Vial CMS 1 000 000 IU powder for solution for injection Vial Colomycin 1 000 000 IU, 2 million IU Promixin, 1 000 000 IU powder for nebuliser solution	Vial: store below 25°C; protect from light Use immediately after reconstitution with 0.9% sodium chloride; solutions may be used within 24 h when stored in a refrigerator (2–8°C)	Alcohol: no special recommendation
	Colobreathe 1 662 500 IU inhalation powder, hard capsules (∼125 mg CMS)	Colobreathe: store in the original package until immediately before use in order to protect from moisture; store below 25°C
Tobramycin	Vial tobramycin 40 mg·mL−1 solution for injection	Vial for injection: store in the outer carton in order to protect from light; store below 25°C Use immediately after reconstitution with 0.9% sodium chloride Solutions may be used within 24 h when stored in a refrigerator (2–8°C) A fresh solution should be prepared before each usage	Alcohol: no special recommendation
	Vial Nebcin injection 40 mg·mL−1	Ready-to-use nebuliser solution: store in the original package in order to protect from light and moisture; store in a refrigerator (2–8°C); do not freeze
	Bramitob 300 mg/4 mL nebuliser solution, single-dose container	The contents of the whole ampule should be used directly after opening; opened ampules should never be stored for re-use
	TOBI Podhaler 28 mg per capsule inhalation powder, hard capsules	TOBI pouch, Tymbrineb foil pouch, Tobramycin pouch (intact or opened); may be stored at room temperature (up to 25°C) for up to 28 days
	TOBI 300 mg/5 mL nebuliser solution, single-use ampule	Bramitob bags (intact or opened) may be stored at room temperature (up to 25°C) for up to 3 months Vantobra pouch (intact or opened) may be stored at room temperature (up to 25°C) for up to 4 weeks
	TOBI Podhaler 28 mg per capsule inhalation powder	Capsules for inhalation: TOBI Podhaler capsules must always be stored in the blister to protect from moisture and only removed immediately before use; store below 30°C Podhaler device: store the inhaler in its tightly closed case when not in use; each Podhaler device and its case are used for 7 days and then discarded and replaced
Gentamicin	Ampule gentamicin B. Braun 1 mg·mL−1; 3 mg·mL−1 solution for infusion Ampule gentamicin 10 mg·mL−1 solution Ampule Genticin 40 mg·mL−1 injectable Ampule Cidomycin 80 mg/2 mL solution for injection	Ampules for injection: store in the outer carton in order to protect from light; store below 25°C; use immediately after reconstitution with 0.9% sodium chloride; a fresh solution should be prepared before each usage	Alcohol: no special recommendation

Cap: capsules; tab: tablets: susp.: suspension; SF: sugar free; SR: sustained release; SMX: sulfamethoxazole; TMP: trimethoprim; MDI: metered-dose inhaler; CFC: chlorofluorocarbon; CMS: colistimethate sodium.^#: see leaflet, as different instructions for different manufacturers [23].

Likewise, carrying parenteral antibiotics may require special storage conditions. It should be discussed with the healthcare provider whether maintaining inhalation therapy is required for the time away, and if possible, switching to a portable nebuliser or metered dose inhaler if appropriate.

Airway clearance during travel needs to be individualised. Some patients can skip a day or two of airway clearance, others can modify to a “simpler” programme for a few days, whereas other patients need to be strictly adherent to their airway clearance program whether at home or travelling. It is possible to switch to an airway clearance regime that requires small, lightweight devices. For example, it may be easy to perform autogenic drainage (which does not require carrying any equipment), or alternatively carrying small and lightweight positive expiratory pressure devices. Some airway clearance techniques can make use of inexpensive everyday objects (tube-in water bottle positive expiratory pressure or drinking straws). Planning ahead is always recommended and should be done with the advice and direction of the healthcare provider.

How can people with bronchiectasis maintain regular treatment when in transport?

Statements considered:

• It is advised that airway clearance and inhalations be performed while waiting at airports before and after flights. This is best planned ahead and checked with the airport for the best place to do this (77% agreement).

• While it is not advised to take cough suppressants for bronchiectasis, it may be considered for long flights where a cough may be disturbing to other passengers (35% agreement).

Some patients may want to avoid coughing and having to clear secretions during flights (or long travel by bus or train). In these cases, airway clearance may best be performed before and after flights. Since most airports may not have private facilities, practicing airway clearance at the airport should be planned ahead. Although no evidence exists on safety of cough suppressants, they are ill advised in bronchiectasis, and cannot be recommended, even during flights: 65% of experts specifically advised against the use of cough suppressants.

Do people with bronchiectasis need to prepare and carry certain documents?

Recommendations:

• 12) It is advised that people with bronchiectasis carry documentation from their last clinic/hospitalisation visit, translated into English and preferably also into the language of the country of destination (81% agreement).

• 13) A document for travel may be prepared and should include: patient's health status, allergies, chronic bacterial infections, regular medications and devices used regularly, and recommended medications during exacerbations (100% agreement).

• 14) It is advised that people with bronchiectasis carry a translation of a disability card (such as a European Union disability parking card) if eligible and where available (84% agreement).

Other statement considered:

• When travelling in a guided tour, it is advised that people with bronchiectasis should notify the travel company of their condition (69% agreement).

Documentation may be required for airport security staff and customs officials regarding medical equipment, but also for medical professionals in case of need. A recommended template for such documentation adapted from Hirche et al. [6] is provided in the supplement. The need to notify the travel company would depend on the severity of the disease and need for supplemental oxygen or disability. Likewise, it is advisable to check for custom requirements regarding medication and technical equipment with airport or custom authorities or travel agencies in advance. During guided tours, patients may need special consideration regarding the time and place for performing daily treatments and may wish to notify the guided tour organisers.

What are the oxygen requirements on the flight and at the travel destination?

Recommendations:

• 15) Oxygen requirements during commercial flights should be predicted before the flight (100% agreement).

• 16) When planning travel to destinations between 2000 and 3050 m, considerations as for commercial flights should be made (92% agreement).

Other statements considered:

• In people with an FEV₁ <55% or oxygen saturation <93% at ambient air, a hypoxic challenge test should be performed (77% agreement).

• In people with FEV₁ <1.5 l, hypoxia inhalation test should be performed (56% disagreed)

In commercial flights, cabin air pressure is similar to 2000 m elevation; therefore conditions may aggravate hypoxemia in people with chronic lung conditions. Prediction of hypoxemia during flight may be advised for people with low lung capacity not already using oxygen supplementation, and supplemental oxygen prescribed if predicted arterial oxygen pressure is below 50 mmHg [10]. In some countries the hypoxia challenge test is not widely available; in such circumstances, the prediction of hypoxaemia at cabin altitude using equations is possible (table 2). For patients already using oxygen, it is advised to increase the flow. It is always necessary to notify the airline company in advance regarding oxygen requirements during flight. Information regarding air travel for people with chronic lung diseases is available at the ELF website: www.europeanlung.org/en/lung-disease-and-information/air-travel/ and www.europeanlung.org/assets/files/en/publications/air-travel-web.pdf (available in 18 languages).

How else can people with bronchiectasis be prepared to travel?

Recommendations:

• 17) It is recommended that people with bronchiectasis seek advice for travellers and follow recommended immunisations for the destination (100% agreement).

• 18) Recommended medications while travelling (such as for the prevention of malaria) should be checked for interactions with regular treatments and with treatments during exacerbations (100% agreement).

• 19) It is recommended that people with bronchiectasis should be stable prior to travelling, if symptoms typical for an exacerbation develop shortly before travelling, treatment should be started and travel postponed if possible (96% agreement).

Other statement considered:

• People with severe bronchiectasis and chronic Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection may be advised to receive treatment with an intravenous antibiotic course shortly before travelling to prevent an exacerbation while away (50% agreement).

When travelling to areas endemic for infectious diseases, people with bronchiectasis should consult expert advice and/or travel clinic healthcare workers regarding immunisations and medications for preventing infections. In people with bronchiectasis secondary to a primary immune deficiency, there is a need to consider both the safety of live attenuated vaccines (yellow fever vaccine for example) [24], and the efficacy of vaccinations. Mefloquine for the prevention of malaria has the potential to elongate the QT-interval, and may increase the risk for cardiac arrhythmias especially if combined with fluoroquinolones or azithromycin. Some patients with chronic Pseudomonas infection feel better for several weeks after a course of anti-pseudomonal antibiotic (intravenous or oral). In very certain cases of people with frequent exacerbations, treatment with such an antibiotic course may be considered before travelling to prevent an exacerbation, but there is no evidence to recommend this, with the concern for causing an emergence of resistant strains with unnecessary antibiotic treatment.

What kind of activities can people with bronchiectasis engage in while travelling and what precautions are recommended?

Recommendations:

• 20) It is recommended that people with bronchiectasis should use sun protection while using medications that increase photosensitivity, such as ciprofloxacin and doxycycline (100% agreement).

• 21) It is recommended that people with bronchiectasis take measures to avoid dehydration while in a hot climate (100% agreement).

• 22) It is advised that people with bronchiectasis maintain general measures of hygiene to prevent cross-infection, such as hand hygiene in crowded places (88%).

• 23) It may be safe for people with bronchiectasis to SCUBA dive if they are asymptomatic (no sputum or shortness of breath at the time of diving), do not have cystic bronchiectasis, and lung function is normal (FEV₁ and peak expiratory flow should both be >80%, FEV₁/forced vital capacity>75%) (85% agreement).

Other statement considered:

• It is recommended that all people with bronchiectasis refrain from SCUBA diving (35% agreement).

Many people travel for leisure purposes, during which time they engage in activities, including sports, to which they may be unaccustomed to. Staying and performing strenuous activities, such as hiking, in hot climates carries a risk of dehydration, which is to be avoided in people with bronchiectasis (as hydration is important for mucus clearance). In fact, as a general recommendation, patients with bronchiectasis should avoid dehydration at all times. People with bronchiectasis who take medications which cause photosensitivity, such as ciprofloxacin and doxycycline (table 3) should be advised to use measures for sun protection and avoidance of direct sun exposure. Likewise, interaction with alcoholic beverages should be noted, as in some cases alcohol consumption may be increased during vacations. Staying in crowded places carries a risk of acquiring airborne infections; it is advised to use hand hygiene and avoid sharing items such as blankets, drinking equipment, silverware and earphones. There is no evidence to support the efficacy of wearing face masks. Due to the inconvenience and possibly stigma associated with wearing face masks [5], their use is not recommended.

SCUBA diving is an increasingly popular recreational activity among individuals, including people with chronic conditions and older age [25, 26]. During underwater diving, ambient pressure increases by 1 atm (100 kPa) for every 10 m descended. Gas volumes change with the depth of diving, compressing during descent and expanding during ascent. The partial pressure of gases increases with the increase in hydrostatic pressure. Nitrogen, an inert gas, dissolves in tissues at depth and comes out of solution on ascent. Another aspect of diving is that the work of breathing increases during diving due to increased gas density, increased hydrostatic pressure, and altered respiratory mechanics (increased dead space and resistance to breathing caused by SCUBA breathing apparatus). The risks associated with diving include: 1) barotrauma caused by expansion of gas-filled spaces during ascent; 2) Compression of the lungs during descent which can cause alveolar exudation and haemorrhage; and 3) Expansion of the lungs during ascent that can cause tearing of structures and lead to pneumothorax, pneumomediastinum and arterial gas embolism. In bronchiectasis, mucus in airways or lung cysts can cause air trapping which may be associated with an elevated risk of barotrauma. Recommendations on medical fitness for diving [7] advise against diving in people with pulmonary cysts or bullae, in people with asthma unless they are asymptomatic with a normal spirometry, and in people with CF and pulmonary involvement. Similar recommendations are given by the South Pacific Underwater Medicine Society (www.spums.org.au/content/spums-full-medical-0) while other national diving recommendations recommend against diving in people with bronchiectasis [11]. However, due to the large heterogeneity of bronchiectasis, only 35% of bronchiectasis experts in our survey answered that all people with bronchiectasis should refrain from SCUBA diving. The majority assumed it may be safe for people with mild bronchiectasis to dive provided they are asymptomatic, with normal spirometry and no lung cysts evident on computed tomography (85% agreement).

Although it may be intuitively tempting to advise limiting diving to shallow depths for people with bronchiectasis, there is no physiological basis to support this recommendation: any change in depth poses a similar risk, and most diving-related injuries occur at relatively shallow depths [7, 27].

Many other recreational sports and activities (SCUBA diving included, but also water surfing, hiking, skiing) require levels of exertion that some people with chronic medical conditions may be unaccustomed to: one paper estimated exercise during recreational diving to equal 7 metabolic equivalents of task [28]. It is always prudent for people with bronchiectasis and advising physicians to be aware of functional limitations. If in doubt, a formal exercise test may be performed when planning sports activities.

Where should people with bronchiectasis get help if they become unwell while travelling?

Recommendations

• 24) Prior to travel, people with bronchiectasis should be advised on increasing airway clearance if suffering an exacerbation while away (96% agreement).

• 25) Prior to travel, people with bronchiectasis should be advised when to take antibiotics, including a recommendation for an oral antibiotic, dose and duration (100% agreement).

• 26) People with bronchiectasis should be advised when and where to seek medical care at their destination (88% agreement).

Exacerbations are periods of time when an increase in symptoms (sputum purulence and quantity, dyspnoea, malaise, fever) occur [16, 29]. The aetiology of pulmonary exacerbations is most often presumed to be inflammatory/infectious, although not always known, and some patients are more prone to exacerbations than others [16]. Current guidelines recommend treating pulmonary exacerbations of bronchiectasis with increasing airway clearance and antibiotics directed against pathogenic organisms in sputum, usually for 10–14 days [22].

When planning travel, practical advice should be given to prepare the individual for the possibility of experiencing a pulmonary exacerbation. In such cases, increasing the frequency of airway clearance is recommended, and prescribing antibiotics which are active against previous pathogen(s) in sputum to be taken in case of a pulmonary exacerbation is useful, especially for those with a history of previous exacerbations. It is likewise recommended to plan with the person with bronchiectasis to step up treatment in different scenarios (e.g. mild or more severe exacerbation, occurrence of haemoptysis). While self-treatment of pulmonary exacerbations may be safe in many cases, it is always useful to know the health facilities in the destination in case self-management fails. It likewise may not be feasible to rely on oral antibiotics in those with very severe bronchiectasis, those with respiratory failure or people chronically infected with highly resistant organisms, for which intravenous antibiotics are indicated in exacerbations. Likewise, people with bronchiectasis should be educated about occurrence of haemoptysis, in which medical care is usually required.

Discussion

People with bronchiectasis frequently travel for leisure or business. It is desirable for people with any chronic illness to engage in activities that keep them socially active, and therefore find ways for them to carry on their travelling plans while not compromising regular treatment. The key to keeping healthy while travelling is planning ahead. This involves considering several key factors: those related to the severity of bronchiectasis (presence of chronic infection, respiratory insufficiency, and frequency of exacerbations); those related to the destination (climate, air quality, endemic microorganisms, availability of healthcare, planned activity), and finally, those related to transportation (including mode of travel (air or surface), time in transport and at airports, and conditions, including storage and access to electricity during travel). Knowing these factors is necessary for “tailoring” recommendations to the patient and the journey.

With very little evidence available on the questions raised, it was not possible to make strong recommendations, and all recommendations are based on “expert opinion”. This document is designed to provide advice to patients and physicians regarding travel and should not be confused with a clinical practice guideline. Although many statements that were considered did not reach a high level of agreement; it should be noted that almost all of these statements may be true for certain people with certain conditions: tailoring these recommendations is necessary when planning travel.

This document is the result of a collaboration between the bronchiectasis PAG volunteers coordinated by the ELF, and bronchiectasis experts affiliated to the EMBARC collaboration. Questions were raised and refined by members of the PAG, who also participated in the writing of this document. Regarding statements that were not included as recommendations: it was commented repeatedly by the respondents that while some of these recommendations may be considered in certain situations, applying them to the entire population of people with bronchiectasis and all travel scenarios may result in unnecessary limitations. It is therefore advised to consider other aspects of travelling not addressed here in advising patients before travel.

Conclusion

Most people with bronchiectasis can safely travel for leisure or business. Planning ahead is essential to maintaining health while enjoying available activities.