Pollen season is fast approaching, and for some, so are the important spring semester exams. But having crucial exams just when pollen levels are skyrocketing can be a bad idea.
Researchers compared test results for nearly 92,300 high school students (average age 19) in Helsinki and Turku, Finland, with alder and hazel pollen levels in the air.
Test results on days with high pollen levels were worse than on other days.
"I think it is relevant to discuss whether we should really take important tests in the spring when tree pollen levels are highest," says Christer Janson, senior physician at the pulmonary and allergy clinic at Uppsala University Hospital and professor at Uppsala University.
Inflammation in the body
It is known that people with pollen allergies become tired and may experience difficulty concentrating, but the reason for this is not entirely clear. Part of this may be due to a poorer night's sleep.
"But it also seems to cause fatigue, which may be due to inflammation in the body," says Christer Janson.
The difference was particularly pronounced for math, physics, and chemistry tests, with the researchers suggesting these subjects are most affected because they require a higher degree of precision and concentration.
For those with pollen allergies, effective treatment is available. For many, over-the-counter antihistamines and sometimes corticosteroid nasal sprays from pharmacies are sufficient.
"But if that doesn't help, it's important to seek care. Start with the health center and if that's not enough, you should turn to specialist care," says Christer Janson.
First puffs
The study, which is published in the Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health, is an observational study and cannot establish that pollen levels affect the test results.
"But there are other smaller studies that point in the same direction," says Christer Janson.
Performance decreased most at low and high pollen levels, while the effect leveled off at moderate levels. The researchers explain this by the body reacting strongly to the first pollen puffs of the season, even at low concentrations.
The researchers point out that they did not know which students had a pollen allergy, but that it is likely those with allergies are affected more than others when they sit their exams.
Pollen allergies cause symptoms such as red and itchy eyes, nasal congestion, repeated sneezing and a runny nose. The symptoms begin when trees and plants start to bloom and release pollen into the air.
Those with severe allergies can receive a vaccine, a type of immunotherapy given by injection or in tablet form. The treatment lasts for three to five years.
Source: 1177
