Abstract
Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a common chronic condition. Recent studies raise the possible relationship between allergic conditions and sensory modulation disorders, mainly expressed in sensory hypersensitivity. This study aimed to evaluate sensory modulation abilities of children with AR and to assess whether these abilities have stronger expression in specific sensory systems, compared to healthy peers. Twenty-eight children with moderate/severe persistent AR and 28 healthy children, aged 4–11 years, participated in this study. Sensory modulation abilities were assessed using the Short Sensory Profile (SSP). Children with rhinitis showed significantly worse sensory modulation abilities than did healthy controls, in most SSP sections. The highest percentage of children with rhinitis showed deficiencies in the Taste/Smell Sensitivity and Low Energy/Weak SSP sections. Among the AR group, these sections were found to be impacted by age and gender. Children with AR may suffer from sensory modulation deficiencies. Thus, multidisciplinary intervention programs for children with rhinitis are recommended focusing on treating the symptoms together with consideration of additional possible factors that may influence the child’s daily function and well-being, as the ability to modulate sensations in daily environments.
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