How does hay fever affect asthma?

Friday, March 6, 2020

Hay fever season can be troublesome enough for people this time of year without having the added extra of asthma. But what if you suffer from both? Does hay fever affect the severity of asthma, and make your asthma symptoms even worse? Here we take a look at how hay fever affects asthma sufferers, and what you can do to minimise the impact when it comes to high pollen season.

Why can pollen increase asthma symptoms?

Hay fever is caused by pollen, and the pollen produced causes some people's immune systems to overreact. When the immune systems overreacts it produces a chemical called a histamine, which causes symptoms like a runny nose, itchy eyes and blocked sinuses.

These symptoms are what can cause those with asthma to suffer, as a blocked nose can affect normal breathing, and ultimately affect asthma control.

What increased asthma symptoms might be experienced?

If you, or a person you know, suffers from asthma, you may find that your asthma symptoms worsen with an onset of hay fever. This might mean that the following symptoms occur:

- a tight chest
- shortness of breath
- coughing
- wheezing

When to speak to a doctor

Typically hay fever symptoms can be controlled by over the counter medications, but if you find that your hay fever is causing your asthma symptoms to worsen, contact your GP as soon as possible.

If you want to take a look at hay fever medications available, click here and see the full range we offer.

Authored by Robert Bradshaw on 26 February 2020. Reviewed by Stuart Gale on 05 March 2020.