The associations between ADHD and asthma in Korean children

Abstract

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to investigate the associations between attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), the most common neuropsychiatric disorder in school children, and childhood allergic disease by evaluating their respective prevalence.MethodsSubjects were comprised of first and second grade students in twenty two elementary schools in a city in the Republic of Korea. The mode of measurement for ADHD was based on DSM-IV from clinical interviews conducted by child psychiatrists. Along with the diagnostic interviews, we also used the epidemiological questionnaires, Computerized Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder Diagnostic System, the abbreviated Conner’s Parent Rating Scale (CPRS), and DuPaul’s ADHD Rating Scales. Allergic conditions, such as asthma, have been separately evaluated based on the questionnaire items whose validity and reliability were proved by the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Children (ISAAC). All questionnaires were completed by the subjects’ parents.ResultsThe lifetime prevalence rate of asthma in ADHD patients was 36.6%, compared to a prevalence of 24.3% in control subjects. The lifetime prevalence rate of allergic rhinitis in ADHD patients was 59.0%, compared to a prevalence of 47.0% in control subjects. Statistically significant difference has been found between the two groups. In the logistic regression model of the ADHD and the control group, the relative risk of asthma was 1.60 times higher (confidence interval 1.301-1.964), the relative risk of allergic rhinitis was 1.38 times higher (confidence interval 1.124-1.681), which showed statistical significance.ConclusionsThe findings of this study suggest significant association between ADHD and childhood asthma and allergic rhinitis. Therefore, appropriate evaluation and treatment are needed for asthmatic children with attention-deficit symptoms, or allergic rhinitis with ADHD. Besides, further research is needed to determine the etiological approach towards ADHD, asthma, and allergic rhinitis.

Impact of asthma medication and familial factors on the association between childhood asthma and attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder: a combined twin‐ and register‐based study

“…Previous large epidemiological studies have shown a cross‐sectional association between asthma and ADHD in contrast to studies with small sample sizes ( N ~ 1000) . Recent analyses from nationwide population‐based studies with diagnosis based on parental report , register‐based diagnoses or prescription data reported similar ORs for the association between asthma and ADHD as we found in our study.…”

“…Asthma and attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are prevalent chronic health conditions in childhood, which may cause functional impairment and stress in families . There is evidence from some cross‐sectional studies to suggest an association between asthma and ADHD , while other studies did not find a relationship . Several aspects of this relationship are still poorly understood .…”

Allergic diseases in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: a systematic review and meta-analysis

“…With regard to the selection of participants, four studies were at unclear risk of bias [33, 34, 36, 37] whereas one study was at low risk of bias [35]. As for potential bias due to confounding, all studies were judged to have a low risk of bias.…”

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder may be a highly inflammation and immune-associated disease

“…Allergic diseases, such as atopic eczema (AE), AR and allergic asthma, are common childhood chronic illnesses that are estimated to affect 7 to 40% of children worldwide (28). With the deterioration of the environment due to pollution, the morbidity of allergic diseases has increased over time (29)(30)(31).…”