Hayfever downgrades children's exam hopes

15th May 2012 - Thousands of children face a struggle to make the grade in their exams this summer because of the debilitating effect of hayfever.

An estimated 38% of young people have hayfever - also known as seasonal allergic rhinitis. The national charity Allergy UK says its survey of parents of children with hayfever found that 31% said their child struggled to concentrate, while 22% said the condition made their life a misery.

Allergy UK says research has shown that 40% of children can drop a grade between mocks and final exams because of their hayfever. It says, if nothing else, hayfever adds to the pressures put on youngsters when they sit their GCSEs or Scottish Standard Grades.

Lindsey McManus from the charity says, because it will be the peak of the hayfever season, "they're going to have a streaming nose, itchy sore eyes, feel bunged up and have their sleep affected".

In fact, the survey revealed that 43% of children with hay fever found it difficult to sleep. In more extreme cases, 12% of youngsters did not even want to leave the house when their symptoms are worst.

Allergy UK wants to highlight practical solutions that can ease the impact of hayfever for children heading into their exams.

It says anti-histamines have a proven track record, and the modern one-a-day, non-drowsy kind are suitable for children over the age of 12. "Getting their symptoms under control is the key thing," says Lindsey McManus, "so check out the best medication for them. It may be that they need eye drops and nasal sprays as well."

GPs and pharmacists can advise about suitable medication.

A top tip from Allergy UK is that it might take a while to find the right medication, so avoid leaving it too close to the first exam to try them out for the first time.

Among other key advice:

Monitor pollen forecasts during exam time and take extra precautions when the pollen count is highIf you do drive children to school on exam days, keep car windows closed and the air intake on re-circulateInvest in a pair of wraparound sunglasses for your child to keep allergens out of their eyes when they are outside at schoolHelp your child get a good night's sleep by keeping windows and doors closed overnight in their bedroomMake sure they wash their hair and change their clothes before they go into their bedroom, which will help to keep pollen outTry using an air purifier in your child's bedroom to help to trap pollen particlesApply an effective pollen barrier around the edge of each nostril to trap or block pollens, these are available as balms, gels or spraysIf you have a pet, keep them away from your child during exam time as they can carry pollen in their furIf your child's hay fever is unbearable on the day of an exam, speak to a senior invigilator. There is a chance they could be given special consideration if symptoms are particularly bad. If you have any concerns in the lead up to the exams speak to your child's school as they may be able to make special arrangements

Lindsey McManus says schools can play their part by being understanding about the effect that hayfever can have on their pupils. "Something that most people see as quite a minor condition can actually be quite debilitating for children," she says.

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