Researchers say steps have to be taken to improve things for school pupils
Hay fever sufferers at secondary school be warned. Researchers say they may see their exam results suffer at the end of secondary school, according to new findings.
Pollen exposure can result in weaker examination outcomes, with mathematics-based subjects such as physics and chemistry experiencing the most significant impact, a study revealed. Researchers publishing in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health emphasised that pollen’s influence must be acknowledged. They stated: “From the point of view of further education studies and employment, it is important to be aware that exposure to pollen can impair success in test situations.
“To create more equal performance conditions, we should find solutions to reduce exposure to pollen and its harmful effects (eg scheduling exams outside the pollen season), to improve preparedness (eg more accurate and accessible pollen information) and/or to start medication in a timely way (eg increasing the awareness of healthcare professionals and people who are allergic to pollen).”
Allergic rhinitis
Allergic rhinitis refers to inflammation within the nasal passages. Triggered by allergens including pollen, dust, mould or animal dander, it represents an extremely widespread condition. Its detrimental effects on wellbeing are well-documented, impacting various aspects of health including sleep patterns, focus and emotional state, reports Devon Live.
In the latest research, Finnish scientists examined 92,280 students with an average age of 19 who sat the national high school matriculation exam in Helsinki and Turku between 2006 and 2020. They analysed exam performance to determine whether results fluctuated in response to pollen exposure during the assessment period, whilst conducting thorough pollen analysis.
A total of 156,059 exam scores were incorporated into the study. The researchers determined: “The study provides robust evidence of the relationship between short-term fluctuations in pollen levels and students’ academic performance.
“We find that increases in pollen concentrations lead to a statistically significant decline in standardised test scores in these high-stakes matriculation exams… The drop in scores is especially related to mathematical subjects.”
Amena Warner, head of clinical services at Allergy UK, commented to say: “Hay fever can have a huge impact on someone’s wellbeing and quality of life especially in the pollen season. Of particular importance is the correct management and treatment starting at the correct time, so it can be effective in symptom control during the difficult summer months particularly when grass pollen is at its highest and sleep may be disrupted.
“Students sitting crucial exams during the peak grass pollen season may be disadvantaged by uncontrolled allergic rhinitis, conjunctivitis or hay fever (or by taking sedating antihistamines) and research evidence shows that pupils can drop a grade between having taken mock exams in the depths of winter before the hay fever season starts and the exam taken in the peak pollen season if symptoms are not well managed and controlled.
“Of particular concern is when hay fever causes asthma symptoms and this needs medical guidance to prevent exacerbation and can benefit from specialist advice and treatment.”
What can be done to help school pupils with hay fever?
Allergy UK recommends various strategies, such as donning wraparound sunglasses and a hat to shield against pollen, showering and washing hair before bedtime to avoid transferring pollen onto pillows, keeping windows shut and using a long-lasting, non-sedating antihistamine.
Dr Samantha Walker, director of research and innovation at Asthma and Lung UK, said: “Students with hay fever are at a huge disadvantage when it comes to summer exams. I led a research paper several years ago looking at the relationship between hay fever and exam performance, and the results were shocking.
“Of the 2,000 students I surveyed, those affected by hay fever were 40% more likely to drop a grade between their mocks and summer exams, and this rose to 70% if they were taking a sedating antihistamine.
“To give themselves the best chance of success, students with hay fever or asthma should start taking a steroid nasal spray, their preventer inhaler, and non-drowsy antihistamines at least two weeks before their exams begin so there is time for the medication to build up in their system.”
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: www.dailyrecord.co.uk
