New Report Supported by Bayer Highlights Urgent Need for Allergy-Friendly Schools and Evidence-Based Treatment for Children

New Report Supported by Bayer Highlights Urgent Need for Allergy-Friendly Schools and Evidence-Based Treatment for Children

(IN BRIEF) A new expert-led publication in the European Medical Journal, supported by Bayer, highlights the growing global burden of allergic rhinitis (hay fever) among children. Affecting 20% of children worldwide, the condition is linked to reduced academic performance, poor sleep, and impaired quality of life. Experts Dr. Michael Blaiss, Dr. Lei Cheng, and Dr. Mário Morais-Almeida emphasize the importance of guideline-based care, allergy-friendly schools, and the use of non-sedating antihistamines in line with ARIA recommendations. Environmental factors such as climate change, pollution, and poor indoor air quality are exacerbating the issue, especially in urban and school settings. Bayer’s Consumer Health Division underscores its commitment to raising awareness and improving pediatric allergy care to ensure better health outcomes for young patients globally.

(PRESS RELEASE) BASEL, 22-Oct-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — A new international report supported by Bayer and published in the European Medical Journal is drawing attention to the underestimated burden of allergic rhinitis (AR) — commonly known as hay fever — among children. Affecting one in five children worldwide, the condition is increasingly linked to poor quality of life, impaired academic performance, and reduced social wellbeing. The article, “Global Perspectives on Challenges and Opportunities in Managing Allergic Rhinitis in Children: Taking the School Environment as a Case,” features insights from leading allergy experts Dr. Michael Blaiss, Dr. Lei Cheng, and Dr. Mário Morais-Almeida, who emphasize the importance of evidence-based management and allergy-safe school environments.

Allergic rhinitis is far from a seasonal nuisance. Studies reveal that children with uncontrolled symptoms miss nearly three times more school days than their peers and lose about a quarter of academic hours due to reduced concentration and fatigue. They also experience 2.5 times more sleep disturbances and face social challenges caused by persistent symptoms such as sneezing and nasal congestion. “Allergic rhinitis is still too often dismissed as a minor issue, but the data tells a different story,” said Dr. Gabriela Zuniga, Global Allergy Medical Lead at Bayer’s Consumer Health Division. “The cumulative impact of symptoms can severely affect childhood development and wellbeing, making timely and evidence-based treatment essential.”

Environmental factors, including climate change, pollution, and inadequate indoor air quality, are worsening the prevalence of allergic rhinitis. Global data indicate that pollen seasons are lengthening by 1.3 days per year, while pollutants are increasing pollen allergenicity. Urban environments, particularly in industrial regions of China, show markedly higher rates of AR among schoolchildren. Meanwhile, indoor exposures — such as dust mites, mold, and chemicals from cleaning agents — are common triggers in classrooms where ventilation is often limited. “Children spend much of their time at school, so the school environment is one that we need to control,” said Dr. Cheng.

Experts also stress that better adherence to international treatment guidelines, such as the Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma (ARIA) recommendations, is critical. They advocate replacing outdated, sedating first-generation antihistamines with newer, non-sedating options that preserve cognitive performance and are safer for children. “These older medicines can cause drowsiness and have harmful side effects in a significant portion of the population, especially among children,” explained Dr. Morais-Almeida. Early identification of allergic rhinitis severity and frequency, the experts say, is essential to prevent complications like asthma and restore normal school performance.

Dr. Ricardo Salazar, Chief Medical Officer at Bayer’s Consumer Health Division, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to promoting global health awareness. “At Bayer, our goal is to use science to improve health and help billions of people live better lives. By supporting education on allergic rhinitis and encouraging adherence to clinical guidelines, we can improve care and outcomes for children worldwide.”

As environmental and lifestyle factors continue to intensify the spread of allergic rhinitis, experts urge schools, parents, and healthcare professionals to adopt proactive measures — from allergen reduction in classrooms to early and guideline-based medical care — ensuring that no child’s education or wellbeing is compromised by this increasingly common condition.

About Bayer
Bayer is a global enterprise with core competencies in the life science fields of health care and nutrition. In line with its mission, “Health for all, Hunger for none,” the company’s products and services are designed to help people and the planet thrive by supporting efforts to master the major challenges presented by a growing and aging global population. Bayer is committed to driving sustainable development and generating a positive impact with its businesses. At the same time, the Group aims to increase its earning power and create value through innovation and growth. The Bayer brand stands for trust, reliability and quality throughout the world. In fiscal 2024, the Group employed around 93,000 people and had sales of 46.6 billion euros. R&D expenses amounted to 6.2 billion euros. For more information, go to www.bayer.com.

Forward-Looking Statements
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Media Contacts:

Tetiana Ohnieva
Communications Consumer Health
tetiana.ohnieva@bayer.com

SOURCE: Bayer