The relationship between allergic diseases and neurodevelopmental disorders in children enrolled in primary

Yusuf Adnan Guclu1, Erdem Erkoyun2, Selcuk Sinan Celik3

  • 1Yusuf Adnan Guclu, MD. Associate Professor, Department of Family Medicine, Izmir Faculty of Medicine, Health Sciences University, Tepecik Training and Research Hospital, Izmir, Turkiye.

PubMed

Insights

Children with allergic diseases show higher rates of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Respiratory allergies present a greater risk for ADHD compared to skin allergies. Increased awareness of these co-occurrences is recommended.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Neuroscience
  • Allergy and Immunology

Background:

  • Rising prevalence of neurodevelopmental disorders (NDs) and allergic diseases (ADs) in children.
  • Need to understand the potential association between NDs and ADs.
  • Focus on primary healthcare settings in Izmir.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze the association between neurodevelopmental disorders (ADHD, ASD) and allergic diseases (respiratory, skin) in children.
  • To identify risk factors for these comorbidities.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective cross-sectional study of 20,557 children in Izmir primary healthcare units.
  • Dependent variables: ADHD and ASD. Risk factors: respiratory and skin allergies.
  • Logistic regression models adjusted for age, sex, and socioeconomic level.

Main Results:

  • ADHD comorbidity was significantly higher in children with both respiratory (6.8%) and skin allergies (7.8%).
  • Respiratory allergies showed a higher odds ratio (OR: 6.2) for ADHD than skin allergies (OR: 2.2).
  • ASD comorbidity was observed in boys with respiratory (1.8%) and skin allergies (1.6%), but analysis for girls was limited.

Conclusions:

  • Significant association found between allergic diseases and neurodevelopmental disorders, particularly ADHD.
  • Healthcare providers and parents should be aware of the co-occurrence of NDs and ADs.
  • Further research may be needed to explore these links.
Abstract

Related Concept Videos

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder01:30

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. It affects approximately 5-8% of children globally, with around 60-70% of cases persisting into adulthood. ADHD has significant implications for educational attainment, social interactions, and occupational success.
Diagnostic Criteria and Symptoms
To diagnose ADHD, symptoms must manifest before age 12 and be evident across multiple settings....
35
Primary Healthcare Services01:30

Primary Healthcare Services

Primary care promotes wellness and prevents disease. This care includes health promotion, education, protection (such as immunizations), early disease screening, and environmental considerations. Settings providing this type of healthcare include physician offices, public health clinics, school nursing, and community health nursing.
In 1978, international leaders convened in Alma-Ata, Kazakhstan, for what would be a pivotal event in global health. The Alma-Ata Declaration was the first to call...
1.3K
Allergic Reactions02:06

Allergic Reactions

Overview
27.2K
Specialized Care Centers and Settings-II01:30

Specialized Care Centers and Settings-II

Rural Health Centers
Rural health centers are specialized care facilities in remote locations with very few medical personnel. The primary care providers who run the centers are mostly Registered Nurse Practitioners. Here, emergency treatment is provided to critically ill or injured patients before they are transferred to the closest hospital. Fortunately, due to advancement in technology, many rural healthcare facilities and professionals have easy access to diagnostic and treatment...
699
Hypersensitivities01:30

Hypersensitivities

Hypersensitivity, also known as a hypersensitivity reaction or allergic reaction, is a condition where the body's immune system reacts abnormally to a foreign substance. Such substances, that cause hypersensitivity are referred to as an allergen, could be something typically harmless to most people, like pollen or certain foods.
Types of Hypersensitivities
Hypersensitivity reactions are categorized into four types: Type 1, Type 2, Type 3, and Type 4. Each type has a distinct mechanism...
488