New survey reinforces link between asthma and hay fever

The latest Ipsos MORI Asthma UK survey, this year part funded by Merck Sharp & Dohme, the local subsidiary of US drug major Merck & Co, found that over two thirds (67%) of the 1,235 respondents diagnosed with asthma also suffered from symptoms of allergic rhinitis (hay fever) including runny nose, sneezing or itchy or red eyes. In addition, 72% of those said their asthma became worse when they experienced allergic rhinitis symptoms. These findings support the increasing recognition that asthma and allergic rhinitis are associated conditions.

Asthma and allergic rhinitis commonly co-exist and both cause inflammation of the airway. Previous research has reported that at least 50% of asthma patients also suffer from allergic rhinitis. Research also shows that the presence of allergic rhinitis increases the risk of asthma attacks and emergency hospitalization. However, 65% of survey respondents with allergic rhinitis symptoms said that their health care professional (doctor, nurse or pharmacist) had never discussed the condition's impact on asthma control.

For the majority of people surveyed (84%), symptoms were most severe during the spring or summer months, when pollen levels are high and hay fever is more prominent. However, 20% of respondents experience allergic rhinitis symptoms all year round, suggesting that people with asthma need to regularly monitor their symptoms.