Impact of Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis on Children’s Learning

The impact pf seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR) and its treatment on learning was investigated by Vuurman and colleagues in 52 primary school children with SAR with 21 non-SAR children as control. The children received computerized instruction and were then randomly assigned to either a placebo, a non-sedating antihistamine )loratadine - Claritin 10 mg), or a sedating antihistamine (diphenhydramine - Benadryl 25 mg). The children were examined two weeks later for their factual and conceptual knowledge of the subject and its application to a new situation. Results showed children with SAR to be significantly less knowledgeable. with smaller increases in conceptual knowledge and significantly less composite learning scores than the non-SAR children. Although all groups of children with SAR exhibited learning deficits compared with the control children, treatment with the non-sedating antihistamine improved their learning scores.