Impact of allergy on children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

Abstract

Background. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is commonly present worldwide, causing serious problems to those affected. ADHD was suggested to be secondary to allergic disorder or its medication. Both ADHD and allergy depend on complex environmental and genetic interaction, and they meet the hypersensitivity criteria. Objective. Detect the percentage of allergy in ADHD children, the common allergic disorders and allergens, and the effect of allergy on symptom and severity of ADHD. Material and methods. 100 children with ADHD were subjected to psychiatric assessment for ADHD type and severity, history of allergy, skin prick test to common environmental allergens, serum total IgE levels and open food challenge. Co-morbid neuropsychiatric disorders, below average intelligence quotient (IQ), and chronic illnesses were excluded. A control of 60 healthy children was chosen to compare the results of skin prick test and serum total IgE levels. Results. 35 ADHD children (35%) were allergic. Most cases had combined allergic rhinitis and bronchial asthma (25%). Common allergens were hay dust (43%) followed by different pollens (37.5%). There were statistical significant differences between coexistence of allergy, type of ADHD, early onset and severity of symptoms. Conclusion. Children with ADHD had an increased prevalence of allergic diseases. Evaluation of allergy in ADHD is mandatory, to decrease the burden of the condition.

Allergic diseases do not impair the cognitive development of children but do damage the mental health of their caregivers

“…This finding contradicts current opinions raised by many researchers. A number of previous evidence has supported the association between ADHD and allergic/autoimmune diseases 10 , 11 , 27 . Various allergic diseases, like allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis, and asthma, have been associated with ADHD 16 – 19 .…”

“…Allergies are immune responses and usually involve chronic inflammation 9 . However, whether inflammation and irritation increase the risk of neuropsychological consequences in children with atopic diseases is still unclear 10 – 12 . For example, allergic rhinitis is associated with significantly impaired mental health and impaired cognitive function 13 .…”

Risk factors analysis of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder and allergic rhinitis in children: a cross-sectional study

“…Symptoms of allergic rhinitis may lead to daytime inattention, irritability and hyperactivity, which is commonly observed in ADHD children. Although there have been studies showing that AR has a strong relationship with ADHD [8, 9], the mechanism is still controversial. The prevalence of ADHD and allergic disease has increased worldwide.…”

Developmental disorders in school children are related to allergic diseases

“…A meta-analysis by Miyazaki et al 10 demonstrated that children with ADHD are more likely than controls to have multiple types of allergic diseases. El-Hamid et al 15 concluded that children with ADHD experienced an increased prevalence of multiple types of allergic diseases. In particular, recent studies have reported relationships between ADHD and bronchial asthma, one of the typical allergic diseases in children.…”

“…demonstrated that children with ADHD are more likely than controls to have multiple types of allergic diseases. El‐Hamid et al 15 . concluded that children with ADHD experienced an increased prevalence of multiple types of allergic diseases.…”