exams and hay fever

Seasonal allergic rhinitis or hay fever is common and symptoms have been shown to impair learning ability in children. Critical examinations are often held in the summer during the peak grass pollen season (May / June).

In a large UK study between 38% and 43% of students reported symptoms of hay fever on any one of the examination days. Students suffering hay fever were 40% more likely to drop a grade between their practice and final GCSE examinations (compared to those without hay fever), and 70% were more likely to drop a grade if they reported taking sedating antihistamines at the time of their examinations (compared to those without hay fever).

The number of children taking sedating antihistamines in the study was high in spite of current guidelines that recommend treatment with non sedating preparations. The significant effect of sedating medications on examination performance observed in this study should encourage prescribers and parents to use non sedating alternatives in routine practice.

Students with uncontrolled or severe hay fever are at a significantly increased risk of unexpectedly dropping a grade in summer examinations. Therefore, to maximise a students potential who suffers with hay fever, suitable treatment options should be sought well before the onset of the hay fever season.

Hay fever symptoms can be controlled. Some hay fever treatments may take a long time to work so it is important that parents and students speak to a doctor well ahead of next years hay fever season to work out the best treatment plan.