Sensory Modulation Deficiencies of Children With Allergic Rhinitis

The sensory profile of children with asthma

AIM

Sensory hypersensitivity is one expression of sensory processing disorders (SPD) and results from the inability to regulate an appropriate response to a sensory input in an adaptive manner. We explored the sensory processing profile of children with asthma, based on reports from parents.

METHODS

We studied 86 children between the ages of four and 11 years: 37 diagnosed with asthma and 49 healthy controls. The parents of all participants filled out the Short Sensory Profile (SSP) that measures the child's behavioural reactions to sensory stimuli in daily environments.

RESULTS

Sensory processing disorders were more prevalent among children with asthma (F7,71 = 4.16, p = 0.001; ή(2) = 0.29) than among healthy controls and were mainly reflected by hypersensitivity. While about 90% of the healthy children were reported to actively seek sensory stimuli, only 53% of the asthmatic children showed this trend. In the study group, 25.7% of the children's scores reflected abnormal sensory performance, compared with 0% of the controls (χ(2) =21.93; p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Children with asthma may suffer from SPD. Our finding supports previous reports that suggest that the central nervous system is involved in the pathogenesis of atopic conditions. The sensory profile of children with asthma should be evaluated and treated as required.