Hay fever could affect exam results, experts say

A new study has found that hay fever – an allergy to pollen – might make it more difficult for students to do their best in exams.

Hay fever can cause symptoms like a runny or blocked nose, sneezing and itchy watery eyes, especially in spring and summer.

In the study, researchers in Finland looked at the exam results of 92,280 secondary school students over 14 years and compared them with how much pollen was in the air when the students took their tests.

They discovered that when pollen levels were high, students' scores went down, especially in subjects that involve lots of maths, like physics and chemistry.

The researchers - who wrote about their study in a science journal - suggested a few different ways to make exams fairer for everyone.

They said schools could hold exams at times of the year when there's less pollen in the air.

They also suggested giving people better pollen warnings so that they can prepare, as well as making sure that students with hay fever start taking their medicine early to help control their symptoms.

Allergy UK, a charity that helps people with allergies, also has some useful tips for dealing with hay fever.

It says that keeping windows shut can help to stop pollen from getting indoors.

Wearing wraparound sunglasses and a hat outside can also help to keep pollen away from your eyes and face.

Having a shower and washing your hair before bed can stop it from getting on your pillow, and using antihistamines can help to reduce uncomfortable hay fever symptoms.

The charity says it's important to see a doctor if your hay fever causes any symptoms of asthma.