Could my 5 year olds behavior have to do with allergies?

[tanyar12]

I posted a question about a month ago about my 5 year old disrepectful and moody behavior. He is being treated for allergies right now. I took him to the doctor because he was always congested, puffy around the eyes, dark circles, constant nasal drip, headaches and burning eyes. Though these symptoms never seemed to bother him my husband and I can't help but think it may be the cause of his irratability. Is this possible that he may not even be aware of these symptoms bothering him? I know it sounds like a lot of symptoms but he did not display them all at the same time. He never complained about it, we just noticed them on our own

[greendog_24]

Yes, absolutely. Five-year-olds do not have the capacity to observe themselves, so to speak, so they often do not call attention to varius medical symptoms. If a child is ill by way of troublesome allergies, their mood can certainly be influenced. In normal children, the most frequent sources of irritability are illness, tiredness, and hunger.

[justme]

I'm not sure about the allergy symptoms being the cause (I'm uninformed in that area), however I do know that respiratory allergies can cause sleep problems and poor oxygen saturation for children.  Sleep deprivation in children can translate into emotional lability, poor impulse control, higher activity levels, etc.  Since he's being treated for allergies, the doctors in that field should be aware of the association.  If that seems like your son, I'd suggest asking the doctor for his opinion at the next appointment.

[Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D.]

Yes, absolutely. Five-year-olds do not have the capacity to observe themselves, so to speak, so they often do not call attention to varius medical symptoms. If a child is ill by way of troublesome allergies, their mood can certainly be influenced. In normal children, the most frequent sources of irritability are illness, tiredness, and hunger.