Hayfever and Asthma: Understanding the Connection

Hayfever and Asthma: Allergic Asthma

Hayfever and asthma often go hand in hand, affecting both the nose and lungs. Understanding how these conditions are connected helps in managing symptoms effectively. This article explores hayfever, its triggers, symptoms, links to asthma, and practical management strategies.

What is Hayfever?

This also known as allergic rhinitis, is an allergic reaction that affects the nose and eyes. It occurs when the immune system overreacts to allergens such as pollen, dust mites, or pet dander.

Triggers of Hayfever

• Seasonal allergens: Pollens from grasses, trees, and weeds.

• Indoor allergens: Dust mites, mould, pet dander.

• Environmental changes: Changes in temperature, humidity, or air pollution.

• Individual sensitivity: Triggers can vary from person to person.

Symptoms of Hayfever

• Sneezing

• Runny or blocked nose

• Itchy, watery eyes

• Itchy throat or ears

• Fatigue in severe cases

How is Hayfever and Asthma linked?

Many people with hayfever also experience asthma. While hayfever affects the nose and asthma affects the lungs, these systems are interconnected. Allergens that irritate the nasal passages can trigger lung inflammation.

• In Australia, about 40% of adults with asthma also have hayfever.

How can Hayfever Trigger Your Asthma

Allergens causing hayfever can worsen asthma symptoms:

• Inhaled allergens trigger inflammation in the airways.

• Sneezing, nasal congestion, and post-nasal drip can lead to coughing and wheezing.

• Triggers for hayfever often overlap with asthma triggers.

Thunderstorm Asthma

This occurs when pollen grains are broken into smaller particles during storms, leading to sudden asthma attacks. People with hayfever are particularly at risk.

Diagnosing Hayfever

Importance of Diagnosing Hayfever for Asthma Management

Early diagnosis is key to controlling symptoms and preventing severe asthma flare-ups. Understanding your triggers allows for better treatment plans.

Allergy Testing

• Skin prick tests: Identify immediate allergic reactions.

• Blood tests: Measure specific antibodies to allergens. Identifying allergens helps tailor treatment and prevent symptoms.

Think you have hayfever? Get diagnosed today. Book an appointment with our Myhealth doctors across NSW, QLD, & VIC.

Managing Hayfever and Asthma

Medications

• Hayfever: Antihistamines, nasal corticosteroids, decongestants, immunotherapy.

• Asthma: Relievers (short-acting), preventers (inhaled corticosteroids or oral leukotriene receptor antagonists), combination inhalers. Preventers and combination inhaler medications reduce inflammation and prevent flare-ups when used as directed. Biologic Therapies are used in severe cases.

Lifestyle Changes

• Keep windows closed during high pollen days.

• Use air purifiers indoors.

• Stay indoors during thunderstorms.

• Clean bedding and vacuum regularly to reduce dust mites.

Immunotherapy

• Allergy shots gradually desensitise the immune system to specific allergens.

• Can reduce hayfever and asthma symptoms over time.

Allergic Rhinitis Treatment Plan

• Have a hayfever treatment plan alongside your asthma action plan.

• Effective hayfever management can improve asthma control.

• Track symptoms and adjust medications as needed.

When to Seek Professional Help

See a doctor if:

• Symptoms worsen despite medication.

• You experience frequent asthma attacks.

• Hayfever affects daily activities or sleep.