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Left-handedness in asthmatic children
Georgios Krommydas1, Konstantinos I Gourgoulianis, Georgia Andreou
1Physiology Department, Medical School, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece.
Summary
Asthmatic children show a tendency towards left-handedness, particularly those with allergic rhinitis. This finding supports the Geschwind-Behan-Galaburda (GBG) hypothesis linking neurodevelopment and immune conditions.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pediatrics
- Immunology
Background:
- Left-handedness is linked to asthma and allergies.
- The Geschwind-Behan-Galaburda (GBG) hypothesis offers a potential explanation for this association.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate laterality score distribution in children aged 4-8 years.
- To compare laterality in asthmatic children versus healthy controls.
- To examine the association between laterality and allergic rhinitis in asthmatic children.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the International Study of Asthma and Allergy in Childhood (ISAAC) questionnaire.
- Administered the Edinburgh Left-handedness Inventory to 70 asthmatic families and 70 control families.
- Analyzed laterality quotient (LQ) distributions.
Main Results:
- Ambidexterity was prevalent in asthmatic children.
- A significant difference in LQ distribution was observed in asthmatic children with allergic rhinitis (mean LQ: 42.85) compared to other asthmatic children (mean LQ: 79.50).
Conclusions:
- Results suggest a tendency towards left-handedness in asthmatic children.
- Findings provide support for the Geschwind-Behan-Galaburda (GBG) hypothesis.
- Further research into the link between neurodevelopment and immune disorders is warranted.