Reading, Writing and Allergies Don't Mix;

42% of America's Back-to-Schoolers Have More to Worry About than Just Homework

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KENILWORTH, N.J., Sept. 8, 1997 -- As the high-allergy, back-to- school season rapidly approaches, parents and educators should be aware of the serious impact seasonal allergies can have on a child's performance in school. According to statistics, as many as 42 percent of school-aged children may suffer from allergic rhinitis (a). In fact, allergies and their complications take a significant toll on children's attendance in school. On any given day, more than 10,000 children are absent from school due to allergic rhinitis (b).

Even if allergic children are able to attend school, they often are not able to perform well in the classroom. The discomfort associated with typical allergy symptoms -- itchy, watery eyes; runny nose; sneezing; itchy palate -- make it difficult for children to concentrate. In addition, children with allergies also may suffer from emotional effects, including mood swings, irritability, temper tantrums, and decreased ability to concentrate -- symptoms of a condition known as allergic irritability syndrome (AIS) (c). Children with AIS may be inappropriately labeled as hyperactive or psychologically troubled (c).

Despite the impact seasonal allergies may have on children, the condition is often misdiagnosed or mistreated. Often allergy symptoms are mistaken by parents as those of a common head cold, since the symptoms are very similar: nasal congestion; sneezing; itchy, watery eyes.

According to Philip Fireman, M.D., professor of pediatrics and medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, "Seasonal allergies can be associated with a host of serious and long-term conditions like sinusitis, frequent headaches, nasal polyps, dizziness, and even hearing loss. Proper diagnosis and treatment are imperative." Seasonal allergies may be particularly troublesome for young children, who often are unable to understand or articulate their uncomfortable symptoms (d).

To help open a dialogue between children and parents about allergies, Schering Laboratories, marketer of CLARITIN(R) (loratadine) Syrup 10 mg/10 mL, sponsored the first "Young Artists Against Allergies" Calendar Design Contest. The contest invited young allergy sufferers between the ages of 6 to 12 years to visually portray the impact that allergies have on their lives.

The resulting 1997-1998 "Young Artists Against Allergies" school year calendar features the artwork of the 15 contest winners. The winners were selected from more than 1,000 entries received from across the United States and Japan. In addition to the children's artwork, the calendar includes valuable allergy management tips and resource information for children and parents. It is available for free by calling 800-782-4545.

CLARITIN Syrup is the first and only nondrowsy antihistamine syrup for children as young as 6 years of age. Available by prescription in a once- daily formulation, CLARITIN Syrup is indicated for relief of seasonal allergy symptoms, including itchy, watery eyes; runny nose; itchy palate; sneezing; and chronic idiopathic urticaria -- commonly known as hives. In studies, the incidence of drowsiness (2%) was similar to that with placebo (sugar water) (4%) at the recommended dose. Drowsiness may occur if you take more than the recommended dose. Side effects occurred about as often as with placebo (sugar water). Most common were nervousness, wheezing, fatigue, and hyperactivity. Schering Laboratories is the U.S. prescription pharmaceutical marketing arm of Schering-Plough Corporation (NYSE: SGP) of Madison, N.J., a research-based company engaged in the discovery, development, manufacturing, and marketing of pharmaceutical and healthcare products worldwide.

(a) Wright AL, Holberg CJ, Martinez FD, et al. Epidemiology of physician- diagnosed allergic rhinitis in childhood, "Pediatrics" 1994;94: 895-901.

(b) National Institutes of Health. "Asthma and Allergies - An Optimistic Future." NIH Pub. No. 80-388; March 1980.

(c) Klein GL, Ziering RW, et al. The allergic irritability syndrome: four case reports and a position statement from the neuroallergy committee of the American College of Allergy, Ann Allergy 1985;55: 22-24.

(d) Ziering RW. Immediate and late side effects of hay fever: physical and psychosocial problems. "Postgrad Med." 1989;85: 183-203.

"Young Artists Against Allergies" Calendar Design Contest Winners

Gabriel Avraham, 7, Phoenix, AZ

Benjamin Boyd, 6, Plano, TX

Cara Brown, 7, Orlando, FL

Palina Cheung, 7, Daly City, CA

Lynsie De Poalo, 11, Loris, SC

Kristin Koefoed, 9, Franklinville, NJ

Michael Krol, 6, Midland, TX

Samantha Noonan, 12, Springfield, MA

Mary-Elizabeth Reh, 8, Abington, PA

Kelly Reynolds, 11, New York, NY

Jessica Rifkind, 12, Valencia, CA

Emily Shek, 10, College Point, NY

Alexandra Stevens, 10, Elmont, NY

Rebecca Wrzosek, 10, Linden, NJ

Katie Zwiener, 12, Barrington, IL

CONTACT: Chuck Dohrenwend, 212-704-8102 or Julie Freeman, 212-704-4501, both of Edelman Healthcare, for Schering Laboratories