Increased Risk of Behavioral Issues in Children with Allergic Rhinitis

Recent research has revealed that children suffering from allergic rhinitis (AR) are at a heightened risk of developing behavioral problems (BPs). The study, published online on September 14, 2025, in the Annals of Medicine, highlights the significant link between allergic rhinitis and behavioral challenges, with sleep disturbance identified as a key mediating factor.

The investigation involved 18,316 children aged 6 to 12 years from 34 primary schools across China. The researchers assessed the prevalence of AR, sleep disturbances, and various behavioral issues through self-reported data and detailed statistical analysis. Findings showed that 32.9% of the children had AR, 23.3% experienced sleep disturbances, and 18% exhibited behavioral problems.

Children with AR were found to have notably higher odds of experiencing behavioral issues such as conduct problems, learning difficulties, psychosomatic symptoms, impulsivity, hyperactivity, and anxiety. The adjusted odds ratios ranged from approximately 1.36 to 1.82, indicating a substantial increase in risk compared to children without AR. Importantly, sleep disturbance explained a significant portion of this association—between 32.6% and 64.1%—with daytime sleepiness and sleep-disordered breathing contributing most to the mediation.

The authors clarified that the findings support a strong association between allergic rhinitis and behavioral challenges in urban children, emphasizing the role of sleep problems in this relationship. Managing sleep quality in children with AR could be a crucial step in reducing behavioral issues linked to allergy-related sleep disturbances.

This research underscores the importance of paying close attention to sleep health in children with allergies and advocates for integrated approaches to treatment and behavioral management. For more details, refer to the full study: Shiyin Yang et al, Allergic rhinitis and behaviour problems in urban children aged 6 to 12 years and the mediating role of sleep disturbance, Annals of Medicine (2025). [DOI: 10.1080/07853890.2025.2460771]