Allergies and Learning/Behavioral Disorders

Abstract

How allergies affect school learning and behavior---and how to help Every fall and spring many teachers notice an outburst of coughmg, sneezing, wheezing, and nose blowing in their classrooms. Afflicted students E are rubbing itchy and bloodshot eyes, scratchmg rashes, and complaining of stomachaches and headaches. They are listless and generally miserable. Yes, you guessed it; it is allergy season! Besides the additional noise and movement in the classroom, teachers are concerned about other things. They question whether this is a temporary condition, and whether they should call parents about it. They sometimes wonder if the sleepy or hyperactive child is taking too much medication. Allergy outbreaks could not come at a worse time than the beginning of the school year, when the student's full attention is particularly crucial, or the end of the school year, when the student's best performance is required on final examinations.