Effective techniques for asthma control in hay fever season

Asthma and hay fever are very common diseases affecting the respiratory tract and the relationship between them is well established. Both conditions place a significant burden on patients and the NHS, and maintaining symptom control is the goal of management. This article will explore the challenges that hay fever presents to the maintenance of asthma control, examine pharmacological and non-pharmacological management options, and discuss how patients can be supported to self-manage effectively.

Prevalence of asthma and allergic rhinitis
Asthma is the most common long-term respiratory disease in the UK, which Asthma UK¹ suggests may affect more than five million people. Although true prevalence is difficult to determine and likely to be lower than this estimate, asthma is undoubtedly common and frequently seen in the primary-care setting.