Traveling with Asthma in Japan: What You Need to Know

Asthma is a common condition, and many travelers live with it every day. If you have asthma, you probably already know how important it is to manage your symptoms and always keep your medicines close at hand.

When traveling abroad, this becomes even more important. In Japan, asthma medicines are available, but the system may be different from what you are used to at home. Let’s take a closer look at what you should know before traveling to Japan with asthma.

Types of Asthma Medicines

There are generally two categories of asthma medicines:

1. Relievers (rescue medicine): used during an asthma attack to relieve symptoms quickly.
2. Controllers (maintenance medicine): taken regularly to keep asthma under control, even when you feel well.

These can be inhalers or oral medicines, depending on what your doctor prescribed.

Can You Use Over-the-Counter Cough Medicine for Asthma?

This is very important: do not rely on regular cough medicine during an asthma attack.

• Most cough medicines sold in Japanese pharmacies are not effective for asthma.
• Some of them may even make breathing worse and should not be used by asthma patients.

For this reason, if you have asthma, you should not simply ask for “cough medicine” at a pharmacy in Japan.

What to Do If You Have an Asthma Attack in Japan

If you experience breathing difficulty while traveling, it can be stressful. Fortunately, there are safe and quick options available:

• At BLEZ Pharmacy in Asakusa, we work together with doctors to help travelers.
• We can quickly check your SpO₂ level at the pharmacy.
• If you need medicine, we can connect you to an online doctor consultation.
• The whole process usually takes around 30 minutes.
• You can even have the consultation from your hotel room.

If you ask a family member or friend to pick up the medicine for you, it can often be ready on the same day.

Stay Prepared When Traveling with Asthma

To enjoy your trip to Japan safely:

• Always bring your inhalers or medicines from home if possible.
• Carry your asthma action plan and know your triggers.
• Save our contact information in case you need help during your stay.

If you need assistance, you can reach us easily through TEL, LINE, X (Twitter), Instagram, or WeChat. From there, we’ll guide you step by step. We talk in not only Japanese but also English and chinese.

Our pharmacists, with over 10 years of experience supporting patients with respiratory conditions, are ready to help you.

👉Ready to get help? Contact us now. We’ll guide you step by step

Final Thoughts

Traveling with asthma in Japan can be safe and stress-free as long as you are prepared. Avoid over-the-counter cough medicines, know where to get help, and don’t hesitate to use online medical services if needed. With the right support, you can fully enjoy your time in Japan.