Differential Impacts of Allergic Rhinitis and Allergy Medications on Childhood Learning

Abstract

Allergic rhinitis is associated with several cognitive, emotional, and performance problems that can significantly compromise learning and can be further exacerbated by medications used to treat allergic rhinitis. Children with seasonal or perennial allergies, therefore, can experience various levels of impairment for much or all of the school year. Physicians must consider the effects on learning and behavior when prescribing allergy medications for children and preferably use agents with minimal central nervous system effects.