Allergic Rhinitis May Lead to Lower School Grades

Close functional link between mast cells and neurones might explain CNS symptoms during the allergy season http://buff.ly/1ntpQqD

The study was a case-control analysis of 1800 teenage students sitting for national examinations in the UK. On average, 40% of students reported symptoms of SAR. Seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR) is associated with a detrimental effect on examination performance in United Kingdom teenagers: Case-control study. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2007 Jun 7.

Symptomatic SAR and use of rhinitis medication were associated with a significantly increased risk of unexpectedly dropping a grade in the examinations.

According to the study authors, this is the first time a relationship between SAR and poor examination performance has been demonstrated.


Mind map for seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR) from Allergy Cases.

Mnemonic for symptoms of SAR: CS DIES

Congestion
Smell impairment

Discharge - watery nasal discharge
Itching
Eye symptoms
Sneeze

Mnemonic for stepwise approach to treatment of allergic rhinitis: OASIS

Omit (avoid) allergens
Antihistamines (oral and topical)
Steroids (topical)
Immunotherapy
SCIT, SLIT, Surgery

References

Too many young students still letting hay fever ruin their exams. Abbie Wightwick, Western Mail, 06/2007.
Poor air quality in classrooms related to asthma and rhinitis. Thorax, 2012.
Treatment of Allergic Rhinitis Is Associated with Improved Attention Performance in Children http://bit.ly/1tB7mK7
Image source: Wikipedia, public domain.



Treatment Options for Allergic Rhinitis (click to enlarge the image).