There are millions of children across the United States who suffer from asthma or allergies, and a new study published in the scientific journal Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology suggests that there may be a link between these afflictions and attention-deficit disorder (ADHD).
According to Science Daily, researchers examined a group of 884 boys with ADHD and determined that 35 percent had allergies and 34 percent had asthma. The source states that the study focused exclusively on males because boys are more apt to have both ADHD and asthma than girls.
The results of the study imply that the medications doctors are using to treat children with asthma and allergies could raise their chances of being diagnosed with ADHD.
"Further research is needed to understand why there appears to be an increased risk of developing ADHD in children with allergy and asthma," Dr. Gailen Marshall, editor-in-chief of Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, told the source. "Medications for these conditions far outweigh the risks, and can be life-saving in some conditions. Treatment should not be stopped, unless advised by a board-certified allergist."
If your children suffer from asthma or allergies, it's important to do everything you can to improve their quality of life and ensure that they experience as much relief as possible from their symptoms. Fortunately, there are products you can buy for the home that will help limit the presence of pet dander, mold, dust mites, pollen and other ubiquitous allergens. Hypoallergenic mattresses, sheets and pillowcases can prevent harmful irritants from bothering your children while they sleep.
