Allergies Linked to Poor Grades,

Missed School and Less Sleep

  Sneezing, wheezing, watery eyes and runny nose aren’t the only symptoms of allergic diseases.   Allergic rhinitis can impede a child’s learning, mental function and classroom performance if not properly managed.

      Allergic rhinitis can be associated with:

• Decreased ability to concentrate and function

• Activity limitation

• Decreased decision-making capacity

• Impaired hand-eye coordination

• Problems remembering things

• Irritability

• Sleep disorders

• Fatigue

• Missed days at school

• More accidental injuries

According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, 40 percent of children suffer from allergic rhinitis. Allergies also result in absenteeism with more than 2 million missed school days a year.  If left untreated , allergies can lead to more serious conditions such as asthma, chronic sinusitis and other respiratory conditions.

Dr. David Wallace, pediatrician at the Children’s Clinic of SWLA, said, “Since children can’t always express their symptoms verbally, they express their discomfort by acting up at school.  Their increased irritability and fatigue lead to inattentiveness and difficulty concentrating in class.  Overwhelmed by their symptoms, they become disinterested in activities and interaction with other kids.”

Wallace said that the two main factors contributing to cognitive impairment of children with allergic rhinitis are sleep interruptions and over the counter (OTC) medications.  Difficulty breathing due to nasal congestion causes a child to wake up several times during the night cutting the total number of sleep hours short.  Night after night of interrupted sleep can cause serious decreases in learning ability and performance in school.

Over the counter (OTC) medications can cause some cognitive or mental impairment negatively impacting particularly children in school.  While decongestants cause sleeplessness and irritability, OTC antihistamines cause drowsiness and sluggishness.  Since children may be more prone to sedation than adults, it is important to consider the potential impairing effects of medications when choosing appropriate treatment.

“The best way to control allergy symptoms is to avoid coming into contact with the triggers – the substances that cause the allergy.  If  they can’t be avoided, your pediatrician can create an allergy treatment plan,” said Wallace.

Treatment plans using the newer non-sedating antihistamines and nasal sprays on a regular basis can be highly effective in treating allergy symptoms.  If the medications are not effective, your child may be referred to an allergy specialist for allergy testing and immunotherapy, or “allergy shots.”

Treating allergies sooner rather than later can help prevent disruptions in learning and behavior.