Allergic Rhinitis and Other Atopic Diseases in Children With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and allergic rhinitis (AR) constitute high-prevalence entities in the pediatric population, and both affect the quality of life of children and their families. Over the last decade, it has been stated that a high number of patients with ADHD show comorbidities with allergic diseases. The aim of this review is to assess the current information about the relationship between both entities. According to some authors, a causal association between them has been proposed since they have genetic, environmental, and inflammatory physiopathological mechanisms in common. However, there is still some controversy on this issue. Sleeping disorders are present in both and should be assessed in patients who suffer these conditions. Therefore, proper treatment of AR and other atopic diseases may be beneficial for the clinical progress of ADHD. Reduction of AR unpleasant symptoms and improvements of sleep quality decrease the child’s irritability, and they may further improve their behavior pattern. Even though this association has not been clearly proven, the allergic conditions and sleep features have to be taken into account in order to improve the patients’ quality of life.