Introduction
Giftedness has been associated with a higher prevalence of allergic conditions, possibly due to interactions between neurobiological, immunological and environmental factors. Studies indicate that gifted individuals have greater physical and emotional sensitivity, which may be related to an increased risk of autoimmune and allergic diseases. The present study investigates this relationship, analyzing differences in the incidence of respiratory and food allergies between gifted and neurotypical children.
Materials and Methods
The case-control study was conducted in Adıyaman, Turkey, between April and May 2023, including 75 gifted (IQ ≥ 130) and 190 neurotypical (average IQ) children. Participants answered a questionnaire based on the ISAAC (International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood) – Phase 3 protocol, extended with questions on sociodemographic factors and clinical history. Data were analyzed by chi-square and Mann-Whitney U tests, with statistical significance set at p<0.05.
Results
The findings indicated a higher prevalence of recurrent otitis in gifted children (33.3%) compared to the control group (20.5%) (p=0.028). Among gifted children with recurrent otitis, 40% had asthma, while only 16% of those without otitis had the condition (p=0.022). Food selectivity was significantly more common in the gifted group (21.3% vs. 8.4%, p=0.002), being associated with a higher incidence of asthma (50%, p=0.014) and allergic rhinitis (37.5%, p=0.029). Gifted children exposed to secondhand smoke had an increased risk of asthma (40.9% vs. 17%, p=0.027), confirming the impact of environmental pollutants on allergy exacerbation.
Discussion
The higher prevalence of allergies in gifted individuals can be explained by psychoneuroimmunological mechanisms, where emotional and cognitive hyperexcitability lead to exacerbated activation of the sympathetic nervous system, negatively influencing the immune response. Furthermore, the relationship between food selectivity and allergies suggests that sensory sensitivities and food preferences could be indicative of an altered immunological predisposition. Environmental impact was also shown to be relevant, with exposure to secondhand smoke and pollution contributing to the increased incidence of asthma and allergic rhinitis in gifted individuals, reinforcing the importance of external factors in the manifestation of these conditions.
Conclusion
This study demonstrates a significant association between giftedness and increased predisposition to allergies, highlighting the influence of biological and environmental factors on the health of this population. Understanding these findings may guide personalized preventive and therapeutic approaches for gifted children. Future research should explore the interaction between genetics and environment in modulating the immune response of these individuals.
Reference:
ASHER, MI et al. (1995) – Developed the ISAAC protocol to assess the prevalence and severity of asthma and allergies in children.
FRIES, J. et al. (2022) – Investigated the relationship between high intelligence and greater physiological and emotional sensitivity, suggesting a greater predisposition to immunological disorders.
KARPINSKI, RI et al. (2018) – Identified giftedness as a possible risk factor for psychophysiological hyperexcitability and a higher incidence of allergies and autoimmune diseases.
NUTTEN, S. (2015) – Described the epidemiology of atopic dermatitis and its relationship with food allergies, highlighting its relevance in children.
PÉNARD-MORAND, C. et al. (2005) – Reported the connection between food allergies, asthma, and allergic rhinitis in schoolchildren, suggesting shared immunological mechanisms.
SONG, M. et al. (2023) – Analyzed the influence of the urban and rural environment on the prevalence of asthma and allergic rhinitis, highlighting the impact of environmental factors.
TAN, RA; CORREN, J. (2011) – Explored the immunological interactions between rhinitis, asthma, sinusitis, food allergies and eczema, pointing to common pathophysiological mechanisms.
