Sudden hayfever and breathlessness

[MaisyMoo123]

Hi - I'm after some advice about hayfever. I used to suffer from the classic symptoms at this time of year when I was a teenager but nothing since then. Recently I've been getting itchy eyes/runny nose but also a feeling of breathlessness - i.e a bit wheezy and I struggle to take a really satisfying breath. Could this be hayfever? I know pollen counts are supposed to be exceptionally high this year which is what's got me wondering, but can it make you feel breathless as well as causing the classic itchy eyes/runny nose?

yes though usually if you also have asthma, I would make an appointment with your GP, could just be the hayfever but worth getting it checked out as may need additional meds

Thanks Ukey. That's the thing - I don't have asthma and never have had so it's all a bit odd. I can deal with the classic hayfever itchy eyes etc but the breathlessness is a bit worrying. Having said that I've been taking piriton for a couple of days and it does seem to have eased a bit, but maybe it's just coincidence!? Maybe a trip to the Drs is a good idea.

agree go to the GP you could have a seasonal type of asthma.

good luck.

I will try and get a GP appointment - although that's easier said than done sometimes!! I just can't quite believe it's astma - I've never had a hint of anything like it before and there's none in my family either. Could it really just suddenly start?

People who have previously only had hayfever can start to have asthma symptoms and, as others have suggested, you should see your GP. Asthma UK hayfever info here. They advise:

"...Allergens can also trigger asthma symptoms: tight chest, shortness of breath, coughing and wheezing. If this happens to you, speak to your doctor or nurse as soon as possible. They will give you medicines to help you control these symptoms."

Their helpine number is at the top of that web page, if you want to speak to one of their asthma nurses. Free from BT landline, 9-5 Mon-Fri.

Thanks for the link - that's really useful. I don't want to make too much of a fuss. It's really not that severe - more annoying than anything but it's just completely new to me which is why it's taken me by surprise. I'm not an allergic, wheezy kind of person so I really don't know whether what I'm experiencing is that or not.

Best to get it checked out as high pollen counts could continue for a while yet. I think GPs would be unlikely to think you're making unnecessary fuss - they'd much rather you got their advice sooner rather than later about new breathing problems, I'm sure. Hope it all gets better.