Cognitive Dysfunction in Allergic Rhinitis: A Scoping Review

Abstract Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a chronic inflammatory disease often associated with cognitive dysfunctions, such as a decline in learning and memory. Cognitive dysfunction in AR is frequently overlooked, despite its potentially broad implications. AR is an underestimated clinical condition that manifest as daily suffering and reduced quality of life (QOL) in children and adolescents. The intensity of AR symptoms varies, ranging from minor, seasonal symptoms—such as sneezing, nasal itching, rhinorrhea, and nasal blockage that occur occasionally—to more persistent, year-round symptoms, the most challenging of which is often nasal blockage. Due to their absences from school, children and adolescents with severe AR may experience learning difficulties. Both QOL and academic performance are negatively impacted if AR symptoms are not appropriately managed. AR symptoms reduce QOL by impairing psychological well-being and cognitive functioning. Additionally, numerous drugs used to treat AR have the potential to negatively affect the central nervous system and impede learning. Although there is limited literature explaining the role of AR in causing cognitive decline, there is increasing evidence supporting the role of AR in causing cognitive dysfunction. This goal of this review is to discuss cognitive impairment in AR.