The association between ADHD and allergies remains controversial. Allergies affect up to 30% of children. Medications that are currently being used can significantly affect learning, school performance and attendance. It can also affect the central nervous system and contribute to learning impairment. In many cases, children with allergies are also diagnosed with attention-deficit/ hyperactivity disorder. *
How many children are diagnosed with ADHD?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), eleven percent of kids in the United States ages 4 to 17 are diagnosed with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) or Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD.)
What are the symptoms of ADHD?
ADHD is a disorder with symptoms that include trouble concentrating or paying attention, impulsivity, staying organized, aggression, remembering details, and hyperactivity. The treatment often requires medications, which have many side effects.
Research about allergies, asthma, and ADHD
Research for other contributing factors to ADD/ADHD is on the rise. For example, treating enlarged tonsils and snoring have been shown to decrease the need for ADHD medications. ** A recent study suggests allergies and asthma can also play a role in making things worse for the child suffering from ADD/ADHD.
Boys diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder are more likely to have asthma, allergies, and skin infections. In the study, boys diagnosed with ADHD were 40% more likely to have asthma and 50 percent more likely to need allergy medications. ***
Several of these studies have found a link between allergies and neuropsychiatric conditions such as depression, anxiety, and ADHD. They also found a correlation between asthma medications and atopic eczema. They found that regulating allergies and inflammation can positively impact ADHD endpoints in children. ****
The study’s authors also think the reason for the improvement is like snoring children who have their tonsils removed…improved sleep. Poor sleep quality, which is common in children with allergies, can lead to problems in attention.
Does your child suffer from allergies, asthma, and ADHD
If your child suffers from ADHD/ADD and has allergy or asthma symptoms, see an allergy specialist who can help.
At Colorado ENT, we have helped hundreds of children with allergy issues improve their quality of life. call (719) 867-7800 to make an appointment today and let us help your child live life to its fullest!
* https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5107870/
** https://www.webmd.com/add-adhd/childhood-adhd/news/20060403/tonsil-surgery-helps-kids-adhd#1
