1800 278 462
Sneezing. Itchy eyes. A blocked nose. Sound familiar?
If you have asthma, hay fever (sometimes called allergic rhinitis) can be more than just annoying. For many people, hay fever and asthma go hand in hand. When hay fever symptoms flare up, asthma symptoms may become harder to manage.
The good news? Being prepared can help you stay in control and spend more time doing the things you love, whether that’s sport, music, hanging out with friends or getting outdoors.
Whether you’re a young person with asthma or a parent helping your child manage symptoms, these tips can help you prepare for spring.
Why hay fever matters if you have asthma
Hay fever happens when your body reacts to things like pollen, grass, animals or other allergens in the air.
For people with asthma, those same triggers can sometimes irritate the airways and make asthma symptoms worse.
That’s why looking after your nose can be an important part of looking after your lungs.
Think of it like a team effort
Your nose and lungs are connected. When one is struggling, the other can feel it too.
Taking action early may help you feel better overall and reduce the chance of symptoms getting in the way of school, sport, sleep or social plans.
What does hay fever feel like?
Hay fever can affect more than your nose. For some people, symptoms can make it harder to sleep, concentrate at school, keep up with sport or enjoy everyday activities.
You don’t need to have all of these symptoms to have hay fever. You may only experience a few.
Common signs of hay fever include:
- Itchy nose or itchy eyes
- A runny or blocked nose
- Sneezing
- Frequently clearing your throat or coughing to clear your throat
- Snoring
- Breathing through your mouth
- Feeling like you always have a cold
- Feeling tired or not sleeping well
- Finding it harder to concentrate
- Frequent headaches
- Frequent sore throats
- A hoarse voice
- A reduced sense of smell
Some people may also experience:
- Frequent sinus infections with facial pain or pressure (more common in adults)
- Frequent ear infections (more common in children)
Some people notice their symptoms at certain times of the year, such as spring or summer when pollen levels may be higher. Others experience hay fever symptoms throughout the year.
If you’re not sure whether your symptoms are hay fever, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Your spring survival checklist
1. Check your Action Plans
An up-to-date Asthma Action Plan and Allergic Rhinitis Treatment Plan helps you know what to do when symptoms change.
If you don’t have one, or haven’t looked at it for a while, talk with your doctor.
If you’re 12 years or older, your doctor may talk with you about different medicine options, including anti-inflammatory relievers. Ask questions so you understand when and how to use your asthma medicines.
2. Know your triggers
Everyone’s triggers are different.
Ask yourself:
- Do symptoms get worse on windy days?
- Is spring the toughest season?
- Does mowing grass affect you?
- Are there certain parks, sports fields or outdoor activities that make symptoms worse?
Knowing your triggers can help you plan ahead.
3. Don’t ignore hay fever symptoms
A runny or blocked nose might not seem like a big deal, but managing hay fever is an important part of managing asthma.
If symptoms are bothering you, talk with your doctor or pharmacist about what options may be suitable for you. This might include a steroid nasal spray (sometimes called an intranasal corticosteroid)
4. Keep an eye on your pollen apps
High pollen days can be tougher for some people with asthma and hay fever.
If pollen forecasting is available in your area, checking pollen levels may help you plan outdoor activities.
5. Be aware of thunderstorms
Thunderstorm asthma is another reason to keep an eye on spring weather.
During some thunderstorms, pollen can break into very small pieces. These tiny particles can travel deeper into the lungs and may trigger asthma symptoms in some people.
If you have asthma, hay fever, or symptoms that get worse in spring, check pollen and weather forecasts during storm season. Stay indoors with windows and doors closed when thunderstorms are approaching, and follow your Asthma Action Plan if symptoms start.
6. Be ready for sport and activities
Don’t let asthma or hay fever stop you doing what matters to you.
Before sport or outdoor events:
- Check conditions and pollen levels.
- Follow your Asthma Action Plan.
- Make sure your reliever is available if your doctor recommends you carry one.
- Tell a coach, teacher or trusted adult if symptoms have been worse than usual.
Hay fever is not just a spring problem
While spring is a common trigger season, hay fever can happen at any time of year depending on what you’re allergic to.
That’s why it’s important to pay attention to patterns in your symptoms all year round.
Confidence comes from being prepared
Living with asthma and hay fever doesn’t mean missing out.
Being prepared isn’t about worrying. It’s about giving yourself the best chance to enjoy school, sport, friends and everything else that matters to you.
Small steps today can help you feel more confident tomorrow.
For Parents and Carers
If your child or young person gets hay fever symptoms, it’s worth talking to their doctor or pharmacist about the best way to manage them. Hay fever and asthma often occur together, so managing hay fever can be an important part of keeping asthma under control.
You can help by keeping their Asthma Action Plan up-to-date, knowing their triggers and checking pollen forecasts during spring. Encourage them to recognise when symptoms are changing and to speak up if they’re finding asthma or hay fever harder to manage.
With the right support and preparation, most children and young people with asthma and hay fever can continue enjoying school, sport and everyday activities.
Need support?
If asthma or hay fever symptoms are affecting your daily life, talk with your doctor, pharmacist or Asthma Educator. You can also contact Asthma Australia on 1800 ASTHMA (1800 278 462) for information and support.
