Hay fever

Many people with asthma also have hay fever. Hay fever is the common name for allergic (or seasonal) rhinitis.

Symptoms of hay fever

  • Watery, itchy eyes.
  • Sneezing and blocked nose.

Hay fever triggers

Symptoms occur when the person is exposed to environmental allergens, such as pollens, house dust mites, mould and animal dander.

For some people these symptoms occur all year round because they may be caused by allergens that are present in the home or at work.

Some people have only seasonal hay fever, in spring and summer, often when pollen concentrations from grasses, trees and weeds are very high.

For many people with asthma, having allergic or seasonal hay fever can worsen their symptoms.

Higher levels of pollen can also make asthma worse.

It is important to treat hay fever effectively to ensure overall good asthma control.

Management of hay fever

  • In the past, many people considered hay fever to be a nuisance, with no effective treatment.
  • Hay fever can be effectively treated in many cases.
  • This requires a step-by-step approach dependent on the severity of symptoms.
  • People with seasonal hay fever may need to treat their nose as well as their lungs.
  • Talk to your GP to ensure you are on the most effective treatment for you.