12:53pm UK, Tuesday May 20, 2008

Students have been given permission to use a new anti-hay fever gadget if they are suffering through this year's exam season.

The device in action

Edexcel and AQA have said students can use light-emitting nasal probes, rather than traditional medication.

A University of Edinburgh and Imperial College study last year suggested that almost three quarters of students who take hay fever medication before and during exams drop a grade as the ingredients make them drowsy.

The new Allergy Reliever device uses red light therapy to suppress the cells that release histamine, so relieving the symptoms of hay fever without drugs.

As well as offering imediate relief from hay fever, sustained use of the device means that nasal passages can become increasingly desensitised to pollen, dust, pet hair and other irritants which lead to allergic reactions.

Andy Murdock, Pharmacy Director for Lloydspharmacy said: "The misery of hay fever symptoms during exam time is so widespread that many have called for exams to be moved to a different time of the year.

"There is no sign of that happening which is why we are pleased that two leading exam boards have given the OK for the device to be used this year."

The Allergy Reliever is available from Lloyds Pharmacy.