Don’t let your asthma or allergies affect your exam performance

470,000 people in Ireland have asthma and 60-80% of these also have hay fever making the summer months a difficult time for many. Pollen is a significant trigger for asthma and grass pollen affects 90% of those with hay fever. As the peak grass pollen season starts it is important to have a plan in place to manage both your asthma and allergies. Preparation is vital. 

Research shows that pollen can affect school and work performance. By making sure you are prepared and taking some small steps to minimise your exposure to pollen you can stop symptoms in their tracks.

Read our top tips below on making it through exam season.

Asthma Society of Ireland’s Top Exam Tips

• Be prepared –  visit your doctor or nurse to put a plan in place for managing your asthma and allergies.
• Don’t wait for your hay fever symptoms to start; you can start taking nasal steroid sprays and non-drowsy antihistamines now.
• Get your asthma under control – the best way to manage any asthma trigger, including pollen is to have your asthma well controlled. Take your preventer medication daily, as prescribed and make sure you are taking your inhaler properly.
• Keep an eye on the pollen count at www.asthma.ie
• Know your triggers and reduce your exposure to them if you can- simple strategies like washing hair before bed, changing clothes before entering the bedroom, keeping pets downstairs and keeping car windows closed on the journey to school can make a noticeable difference.
• Let your teacher/exam supervisor know about your asthma or allergies, you may need to avoid sitting by the window.
• It’s vital that you have your asthma reliever inhaler with you during the exam in case you experience worsening symptoms.

Advice on how to avoid allergy triggers and cope with hay fever is available on the Asthma Adviceline on 1850 44 54 64.

The pollen forecast is available here.