Abstract
Hayfever is a common condition which reaches peak prevalence in adolescence. Symptoms occur during periods of high grass pollen exposure (May/June in the UK), at a time when important examinations take place. Despite evidence that allergic rhinitis itself, as well as the medication taken to treat it, can interfere with learning and concentration, symptoms are often trivialised by patients and health professionals. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of self-reported hayfever diagnosis, hayfever symptoms, respiratory health and use of allergy medication in UK secondary school children. All students aged 15/16 (n = 3286) in 14 schools in the West Midlands area of the UK were invited to participate via parental letter and consent. A pre-piloted questionnaire asking about respiratory health, smoking and hayfever treatment was developed (using, where appropriate, validated questions from the ISAAC study) and piloted among a group of 16 year olds to identify ambiguities and errors. The resulting questionnaire was distributed to all year 11 students in April 2004. 3189/3286 (97%) students agreed to participate in the study, and questionnaires were completed and returned by 2282 (72%). 51% (1153) students reported symptoms indicative of hayfever although only 21% (485) reported a diagnosis of hayfever by their nurse or doctor. 25% (570) reported a diagnosis of asthma, whilst 20% (461) smoked cigarettes. 22% (502) reported taking medication for their hayfever. Of responders, 51% of UK 15/16 year olds report symptoms indicative of hayfever, although only 21% reported having had a confirmed diagnosis. Those children without a formal diagnosis may have untreated symptoms which could impact on exam performance and other social and psychological outcomes. The high prevalence of hayfever symptoms in this age group, and their potentially disruptive nature, should prompt health professionals to diagnose and treat hayfever symptoms more appropriately.