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A growing body of evidence suggests that there may be a link between food allergies and asthma.
While the exact nature of this link is not yet fully understood, it is thought that the two conditions may share a common underlying cause.
This is an important area of research, as it could potentially lead to new and more effective treatments for both conditions.
The Link Between Food Allergy and Asthma
Although allergies have been identified as an asthma trigger, they won’t cause asthma on their own. Not all allergic people have asthma, and many asthmatics are not allergic.
Food allergy is not a particularly common cause of asthma. It only affects about one percent of children and 0.05 percent of adults.
Inhaled food allergens, such as house dust mites, cat fur, and pollen, are more likely to trigger an asthma attack than foodstuffs.
Some people may be sensitive to additives and preservatives. It has been estimated that about five percent of asthmatics are sensitive to sulfur-containing compounds (especially sulfites), which are added to foods to prevent them from becoming oxidized and contaminated with microbes.
When sulfites are present in a final food in amounts more than ten ppm (parts per million), the food label must carry the chemical name and purpose of the additive (for example, potassium bisulfate as a preservative).
Food-labelling protection regulations exclude sulfite-treated foods served as ‘fresh,’ such as salad-bar ingredients, and menu items delivered to restaurants pre-prepared.
Here, sulfites are used to preserve, for example, the crispness of green salads or the whiteness of peeled, uncooked potatoes.
Asthma can also be triggered by the preservative sodium benzoate (found in fruit juices, soft drinks, and foods with fruit), colorants like tartrazine, flavor enhancers like MSG (monosodium glutamate), and salicylates (found in aspirin).
The prevalence of food anaphylaxis due to masked allergens contaminating certain manufactured products has increased over the last ten years.
What does the study say about the link between food allergy and asthma?
According to several studies, there is a strong link between food allergy and asthma.
One study, which aimed to test levels of sensitivity to egg, peanut, milk, and sesame seed, showed that respiratory symptoms were observed in 12 percent (egg), 20 percent (peanut), 10 percent (milk), and 42 percent (sesame), with subjects being highly sensitive to relatively low levels of the allergens.
A study published in the Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology found that children with food allergies are more likely to have asthma.
Another study, published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, found that people with food allergies are more likely to have asthma than those without food allergies.
And a third study, published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, found that people with asthma are more likely to have food allergies.
What foods are asthmatics allergic to?
When it comes to asthma, there are a lot of things that can trigger an attack. For some people, it might be something as simple as dust or pollen. But for others, it could be something as innocent as certain foods.
Yes, you read that right. Certain foods can trigger asthma attacks in people who are allergic to them. So if you have asthma and you’re wondering what foods you need to avoid, here is a list of the most common culprits.
1. Peanuts
Peanuts are one of the most common food allergens out there. And unfortunately, they’re also one of the most common triggers of asthma attacks.
If you have a peanut allergy, it’s important to avoid peanuts and all products that contain them. This includes peanut butter, of course.
2. Tree Nuts
Like peanuts, tree nuts are also a common allergen. And like peanuts, they can also trigger asthma attacks. If you’re allergic to tree nuts, you must avoid all products containing them. This includes products like almond milk and hazelnut spread.
3. Shellfish
Shellfish is another common allergen that can trigger asthma attacks.
If you’re allergic to shellfish, you must avoid all products containing them. This includes shrimp, lobster, and crab.
4. Dairy
Dairy is another common allergen that can trigger asthma attacks. If you’re allergic to dairy, you must avoid all its products. This includes milk, cheese, and yogurt.
5. Eggs
Eggs are another common allergen that can trigger asthma attacks.
You must avoid all products containing eggs if you’re allergic to eggs. This includes products like mayonnaise and ice cream.
6. Wheat
Wheat is another common allergen that can trigger asthma attacks.
If you’re allergic to wheat, you must avoid all its products. This includes products like bread, pasta, and cereal.
7. Soy
Soy is another common allergen that can trigger asthma attacks. You must avoid all soy products if you’re allergic to soy. This includes products like soy milk and tofu.
8. Fish
Fish is another common allergen that can trigger asthma attacks. If you’re allergic to fish, you must avoid all products containing them. This includes products like tuna and salmon.
If you have asthma and are allergic to any of the above-mentioned foods, it’s important to avoid them.
Eating them can trigger an asthma attack. So make sure to read labels carefully and avoid products that contain them.
Can food allergies cause respiratory problems?
When you have a food allergy, your body overreacts to a particular food or ingredient. This can cause a range of symptoms, including respiratory problems.
Asthma is a common respiratory problem triggered by many things, including food allergies. Food allergies are one of the most common triggers of asthma attacks.
Avoiding offending food or ingredient is important if you have a food allergy. But that’s not always possible, especially if you don’t know what you’re allergic to.
That’s why it’s important to know the signs and symptoms of a food allergy reaction and what to do if you have one.
Symptoms of a food allergy reaction
Symptoms of a food allergy reaction can range from mild to severe. They can include:
- Difficulty breathing
- Wheezing
- Coughing
- Tightness in the chest
- Hoarseness
- Throat swelling
- Hives
- Itching
- Redness
- Swelling
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
In severe cases, a food allergy reaction can lead to anaphylaxis, a potentially life-threatening condition that affects the whole body. Anaphylaxis can cause:
- Difficulty breathing
- Swelling of the throat or tongue
- Drop in blood pressure
- Loss of consciousness
If you have a food allergy, it’s important to carry an emergency epinephrine injector. Epinephrine is the only treatment for anaphylaxis and can save your life.
If you think you or someone you’re with has a food allergy reaction, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately.
If you have asthma and a food allergy, you’re at an increased risk of having a severe reaction. That’s why it’s important to work with your doctor to develop a plan to manage both conditions.
There is no cure for food allergies, but avoidance is the best way to prevent a reaction.
If you have a food allergy, work with your doctor to create a comprehensive plan that includes emergency treatment and a way to avoid the offending food or ingredient.
Conclusion
Food allergies and asthma are two conditions that are often linked. If you have one, you may be more likely to have the other.
If you have both, it’s important to manage both conditions carefully. Work with your doctor to create a plan to help you avoid trigger foods and manage your asthma.
