Can Hay Fever cause Asthma?
– Hay fever does not directly cause asthma, but it can make asthma symptoms worse or trigger asthma attacks. This is because hay fever and asthma are both related to allergic inflammation in the airways, which can make them more sensitive and reactive to allergens or irritants.
– According to Asthma Australia, about 80% of people with asthma also have hay fever.
Hay fever can affect the nose, eyes, throat and sinuses, causing symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes and sinus pressure.
– These symptoms can make it harder to breathe through the nose, which can affect the lungs and asthma control. Hay fever can also increase the production of mucus in the nose and throat, which can drip down into the lungs and cause coughing, wheezing or shortness of breath. Hay fever can also lower the immune system and make people more prone to infections, such as colds or sinusitis, which can worsen asthma symptoms.
– Therefore, it is important for people with asthma and hay fever to treat both conditions effectively and prevent exposure to allergens that trigger them. Some of the common allergens that cause hay fever are pollen, dust mites, animal dander and molds.
– Some of the treatment options for hay fever include: antihistamines, nasal corticosteroids, decongestants, leukotriene receptor antagonists, cromolyn sodium and immunotherapy.
– These treatments can help reduce inflammation and congestion in the nose and improve breathing and asthma control. However, some treatments may have side effects or interactions with other medications, so it is advisable to consult a health care provider before using them.
– Some of the tips to prevent or minimize exposure to allergens include: checking the pollen forecast, wearing sunglasses and a hat when outdoors, applying petroleum jelly around the nostrils, showering and changing clothes after being outside, keeping windows and doors closed during high pollen seasons, using a HEPA filter in the home or car, vacuuming and dusting regularly, washing bedding in hot water weekly, keeping pets out of the bedroom and off furniture, avoiding damp places where molds can grow, avoiding smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke, and avoiding perfume or cologne.
How does Asthma and Hay Fever Relate?
– Asthma and hay fever are both allergic conditions that affect the respiratory system. They are caused by an overreaction of the immune system to certain substances, called allergens, that are inhaled or come into contact with the skin or eyes.
– Some common allergens are pollen, dust mites, pet dander, mold, and cockroach droppings.
– Asthma and hay fever often occur together because they share some of the same triggers and mechanisms. People with hay fever may experience inflammation and swelling in the nose, which can make breathing difficult and increase the risk of asthma attacks.
– People with asthma may also have more sensitive airways, which can react to allergens and cause symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, chest tightness and shortness of breath.
– Treating both asthma and hay fever can help improve the quality of life and reduce the severity of symptoms. Some of the treatments include antihistamines, corticosteroids, nasal sprays, inhalers and immunotherapy.
– It is also important to avoid or reduce exposure to allergens as much as possible by following some tips such as staying indoors when the pollen count is high, using air filters and humidifiers, washing bedding regularly and keeping pets out of the bedroom.
