With just over a week to go before the Junior and Leaving Cert exams begin, pharmacists are warning students to look after themselves as exam stress can lead to an increase in various ailments, such as headaches, diarrhoea and stomach upsets.

They also warned that exam stress can exacerbate certain conditions, such as asthma and sinusitis.

"Exam time can be a stressful time for students and the last thing they need is the added pressure of dealing with uncomfortable symptoms from minor conditions, which can be very distracting and upsetting," noted pharmacist, Bernard Duggan, of the Irish Pharmacy Union (IPU).

He called on students and their parens to consult with a pharmacist if they have any concerns about minor ailments.

The IPU also issued a number of tips to help students during this stressful time:

-Maintain a healthy diet. Eat well-balanced meals regularly. If necessary, take multivitamin supplements
-To help avoid headaches, ensure you drink plenty of water and take regular study breaks. Also ensure your study room is well vetilated
-To help avoid stomach upsets, eat healthily and avoid junk and spicy foods. A cup of peppermint tea or glass of milk and help settle an upset stomach
-If you have eczema, keep your skin well moisturised with eczema-specific lotions. Ensure your study room is well ventilated to stop the skin from becoming too dry
-If you have asthma, ensure you are using your inhalers properly and do not forget to bring these into the exam hall
-If you have hayfever, do not go out when the pollen count is high. If you need to take antihistamines, ensure they are the non-drowsy kind
-Get enough sleep and avoid products containing caffeine. Do not study in bed as your brain may become over stimulated, leading to insomnia.