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Hayfever causing a mild wheeze without asthma, has anyone had this?

11 replies

Summerdays1775 · 31/05/2026 10:42

As the title says, I suffer from hayfever but yesterday evening I noticed a wheeze when breathing, not very obvious but if I listened carefully I could hear it. This started around 7pm and lasted into the evening. I thought I felt mild throat tightness too but not sure if that was me panicking or not. I usually get hayfever but last year it was very mild. 3 years ago I had similar symptoms, got myself a ventolin inhaler from online GP but never used it (I was a bit scared!).
I don't have asthma and have no symptoms normally, it's just this mild wheeze I noticed when my hatfever was particularly bad yesterday. I also hasn't taken any antihistamines.
Has anyone experienced the same without having asthma and how did you manage?

OP posts:
Rosiecloud · 31/05/2026 10:44

Seasonal asthma because of hayfever is a thing. You need to see your GP.

Summerdays1775 · 31/05/2026 10:45

@Rosiecloud thank you, I plan to call them tomorrow but wanted to hear others experiences first

OP posts:
Datafan55 · 31/05/2026 10:49

Yes I get this. I use preventer inhaler pre the spring, and reliever ad hoc during the period. It can be bad/hayfever okay, or vice versa.

Inhalers - just follow the instructions re dosage (don't go over), and follow the leaflet re how to do it. You might also want to see the asthma nurse at GP surgery to discuss how to use it - it's possible to do it wrong.

Summerdays1775 · 31/05/2026 10:53

@Datafan55 can I ask if you have a diagnosis of asthma or if you just use these for asthma symptoms during hayfever season?

OP posts:
Datafan55 · 31/05/2026 10:59

Well, that's where it gets confusing.

I get asthma at other times, eg when I use certain meds. However this is relatively recent.

I always assumed the seasonal symptoms were asthma.
They gave me the inhalers when I was describing (only) the seasonal symptoms, put it on my records etc.
Then a few years ago I had a GP tell me this wasn't asthma but seasonal allergies and that there's quite an overlap between the two.

There is so much confusion around asthma. My niece is having the same discoveries as you at the moment.

Summerdays1775 · 31/05/2026 11:01

@Datafan55 thanks that's helpful but yes confusing. What tests did they carry out if you don't mind me asking or did they prescribe it based on your symptoms?

OP posts:
Datafan55 · 31/05/2026 11:06

They didn't really test me. I had a couple of attacks when I was little so they took it as given - when I went with seasonal things years later - that it had been diagnosed. Rather sloppy!

I think you normally should/might be given a peak flow meter (a simple bit of plastic) and you breathe into it and record your measurements for a week or two. However poor readings aren't an indication of asthma either! - can be poor technique too. In theory it's a 'this is your baseline and when you have these symptoms, see if your peak flow reading is lower' = asthma.

Summerdays1775 · 31/05/2026 11:12

@Summerdays1775 Thanks, I have a telephone appointment with doctor tomorrow to talk it through and see what they say. I'm worried because I travel with work a lot and I leave tomorrow so won't be around for tests but would feel much better even if they could prescribe an inhaler in the meantime

OP posts:
MigGirl · 31/05/2026 11:13

You can develop asthma at any age. Symptoms can also vary over the years. It can get better also my sister hasn't needed an inhaler in several years, but had bad asthma in her 20's and 30's.

My sons asthma is triggered by allergies and viral colds but not exercise. There does seem to be different types of asthma. So it's totally possible that it is just allergy related and you'll only need treatment during the pollen season. Just go to the doctors and get it looked into.

Summerdays1775 · Today 18:48

So I saw GP who doesn't think it's asthma but will send me for tests. In meantime he prescribed asthma inhaler to use if I feel wheezy. Also spoke to an asthma nurse who said hayfever with wheeze can occur without asthma, but will wait for my tests to know for sure.

OP posts:
Nearly50omg · Today 20:14

Asthma is mainly caused by allergies more than anything

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