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If you have hay fever, you may also get asthma. Or if you already have asthma, your symptoms may get worse with hay fever. Doctors don't really know why this is.

The main symptoms of asthma are wheezing, coughing and having a hard time catching your breath when you run or exercise.

Pollen, the thing that triggers hay fever in most people, can cause asthma symptoms, too.

Tell your doctor if you cough or wheeze when you have hay fever. Your doctor may want to find out if you have asthma. If you do, it's important to get treatment.

To find out more, see Asthma in adults and Asthma in children.

This information is for educational use only, and is not a substitute for prompt professional medical advice. Readers should always consult a physician or other professional for advice and treatment. ©BMJ Publishing Group Limited 2008. All rights reserved.