13th June 2025
By Jennifer Brownbridge
I am Jennifer Brownbridge and I am the Children & Young People’s Respiratory and Urgent and Emergency Care Lead for Humber and North Yorkshire ICB. As summer approaches, I wanted to share some tips to help people who are struggling to manage their hay fever and asthma.
Some people with asthma feel fine during pollen season, but others get more wheezing, coughing, or breathlessness. If this sounds like you, don’t worry—we’ve got some easy tips to help you stay well and enjoy the warmer weather.
How Asthma and Hay Fever Are Linked
Hay fever (also called allergic rhinitis) is when your nose, eyes, or throat react to the pollen produced by trees, grasses and weeds. If you have asthma too, hay fever can be a trigger that makes your asthma worse. That’s because asthma is caused by swelling in the breathing tubes (airways) that carry air in and out of the lungs, hay fever can make this swelling worse.
If you’re a student, hay fever and asthma can also make it harder to focus during exams. Keeping your symptoms under control can help you feel better and help you do better at school.
Tips to Reduce Pollen Exposure
You can check the pollen count every day using weather apps or the Met Office website. If the count is high, try these tips:
- Keep Windows Closed– During high pollen times, pollen count is usually highest in the afternoon and evening. Keep windows shut during these times at home or in the car.
- Shower and Wash Your Hair– After being outside, wash off any pollen that might be on your skin or hair. This stops it from getting onto your pillows and bedding. You can also use skin wipes if you’re out and about.
- Avoid drying Clothes Outside– Pollen sticks to clothes. Dry them indoors on high pollen days.
- Wear Sunglasses and Hats– Wraparound sunglasses and a cap with a peak can reduce pollen from getting into your eyes and face.
- Use a Barrier Balm– Rub a bit of balm (like Vaseline) around your nostrils to trap pollen before it goes up your nose.
- Use a saltwater nasal spray or solution– this will help to rinse the inside of your nose and remove pollen out of your nose.
Optimising your Asthma and Hay Fever Treatments
- Try Antihistamines– These can help with a runny or itchy nose. Choose non-drowsy antihistamines like Cetirizine, Loratadine or Fexofenadine- especially if you need to stay alert for exams. Ask your pharmacist if you’re not sure what’s best.
- Nasal spray– your GP might prescribe some steroid nasal spray to help reduce inflammation in your nose and help with symptoms of sneezing, runny nose and nasal congestion.
- Use Your Preventer Inhaler (Inhaled corticosteroids) Every Day– This helps reduce swelling in your airways and lowers your risk of an asthma attack.
- Follow Your Personalised Asthma Action Plan– You should have a personal asthma plan from your asthma check-up. Make sure you know what to do if your symptoms get worse.
- Speak to Your GP if You’re Still Struggling– If your usual medicines aren’t helping, speak to your doctor who may be able to offer stronger treatments or suggest other options.
More Help and Information
For more tips and support, visit:
- NHS Website
- Allergy UK have free, helpful leaflets you can download.
By avoiding pollen and using the right medicines, you can stay well and enjoy the season. If your symptoms keep bothering you, don’t wait- talk to your doctor or asthma nurse for help.