When I was 16, I was diagnosed as having asthma. I was also diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity (ADHD) at 21. What connection could hyperactive lungs have with my hyperACTIVE, inattentive mind? After reflection, I realized I knew four or five people with ADHD and asthma. This is only a sample of people I know.

Asthma and ADHD medication

According to a study that looked at the overlap of prescriptions for ADHD medicine and asthma medication, there was a greater likelihood of someone with a drug to treat asthma also prescribing ADHD medication. Or vice versa, a person prescribed ADHD medication to treat asthma would need a prescription medication to breathe. Prescription trends show a "marked" comorbidity, or chance, of both ADHD and asthma. The strongest correlation was observed in women aged 20-49 and men aged 30 to 49. Remember what you learned in every research method class: correlation is not causation. It does make you curious, though. 1

Both my ADHD and my asthma are likely linked to my premature birth. What other factors could be responsible for the link between ADHD and asthma? Why is this link so strong?

Allergies and ADHD: Are they related?

Research from 2008 suggests that ADHD may be considered an "allergic disorder" or allergy-related disorder. It is confusing to think that the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) refers to ADHD as a "neurodevelopmental disorder". 2,3

Several factors can explain this association. Asthma, ADHD, and other asthma-related conditions are all thought to be genetically influenced. Rather than study these factors in detail, the authors speculate that environmental and genetic influences, including asthma, may "trigger" ADHD. 1

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One study found that some agents improved ADHD symptoms. This could be further evidence of a "triggering effect" of specific stimuli, whether they are allergens or not.

More research is required.

Note that these considerations and hypotheses are just that: only considerations. Research and testing should be done on the genetics and immune system of ADHD and asthma. Blood markers, including those elevated in ADHD patients, will also be studied. If this is true, ADHD treatment will focus on the allergic component rather than primarily treating neurotransmitters with stimulant or non-stimulant medications.

Without an identifiable allergy or sensitivity, the diet has not been proven effective in treating ADHD or asthma. However, if this link proves correct, it could become a cornerstone in future ADHD management, just as it is with asthma.

What are the implications of this for children?

Children with asthma, like children with ADHD, often have more behavioral problems than children without asthma. Could it be that these are ADHD symptoms... and not asthma? These conditions are also associated with increased risks of anxiety and mood disorders. 6

There isn't any evidence to prove that ADHD and asthma are linked. However, it is still interesting to think about, at least if both diagnoses are present. I am interested to see where this research leads in the future. Maybe one day, I can take a single medication to relieve my ADHD symptoms and asthma symptoms.