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Can Certain Foods Cause Asthma Attacks

Foods That Cause Asthma

Asthma

The following foods are the ones that mostly cause allergies and asthma:

1. Milk and Milk Products

There is a link between being allergic to milk and milk products and asthma. Luckily, only a few people are allergic to milk products. When allergic to these foods, consuming them can lead to wheezing and other breathing problems, but not only. Allergies to dairy products are common in children, but as the gastrointestinal system matures, children grow out of this allergy. Dairy products should only be avoided when it is really necessary. Otherwise, dairy products should be part of your daily diet as they have many health benefits.

2. Eggs

An allergy to eggs is more common among children just as the allergy in dairy products mentioned above. Luckily, children often grow out of this allergy. People who have egg allergies often are able to eat well cooked eggs and foods that contain eggs without a problem, but an allergic reaction is triggered only when they eat raw eggs or undercooked eggs.

3. Nuts

Nut and peanut allergy is the most common type of food allergy in children and adults. Allergic reactions can vary from mild to moderate and even severe or life-threatening ones.

4. Seeds

The most common seeds allergy is the allergy to sesame. The allergic reaction may vary, but often these are strong reactions. Allergies to other seeds like sunflowers, poppy seeds or other types of seeds are also possible.

5. Fish and Shellfish

6. Wheat

7. Soya

8. Food Additives

9. Salicylates

Treatments To Help Allergies And Asthma

Most treatments target either asthma or allergies. Some methods specifically treat symptoms related to allergic asthma.

  • Montelukast is a medication primarily prescribed for asthma that can help with both allergy and asthma symptoms. Its taken as a daily pill and helps to control your bodys immune reaction.
  • Allergy shots work by introducing small amounts of the allergen into your body. This allows your immune system to build up tolerance. This approach is also called immunotherapy. It usually requires a series of regular injections over several years. The optimal number of years has not been determined, but most people receive injections for at least three years.
  • Anti-immunoglobulin E immunotherapy targets the chemical signals that cause the allergic reaction in the first place. Its usually only recommended for people with moderate to severe persistent asthma, for whom standard therapy has not worked. An example of anti-IgE therapy is omalizumab .

Why Do Animals And Pets Trigger Asthma Symptoms

People often think their asthma is triggered by animal hair, but if pets are a trigger for you, youre probably allergic to proteins found in the animals flakes of skin , saliva, urine or even fine particles from bird feathers known as feather dust.

Touching or inhaling these allergens causes your immune system to overreact, leading to your asthma symptoms getting worse.

Lots of pets can trigger allergic asthma symptoms, from cats, dogs and horses, to rabbits, hamsters, mice and gerbils, and birds. You might be allergic to just one type of animal or more than one.

Animal allergies can develop at any stage of life. Even if you had a pet when you were younger and didnt react to it, you could be allergic to the same type of animal now.

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Preventing Asthma Symptoms From Worsening

When it comes to controlling asthma symptoms, prevention can go a long way. Since asthma may be life-threatening, its critical to identify your triggers and avoid them.

Tobacco smoke is an asthma trigger for many people. If you smoke, talk to your doctor about quitting. If someone in your household smokes, talk to them about quitting. In the meantime, make sure they smoke outdoors.

You can take more steps that may help prevent asthma attacks if you:

  • Create an asthma action plan with your doctor and follow it.
  • Get a pneumonia and flu shot each year to avoid illnesses that could trigger asthma attacks.
  • Take your asthma medications as prescribed.
  • Track your asthma and monitor your breathing to identify early warning signs that your asthma is worsening.
  • Use an air conditioner to reduce your exposure to dust mites and outdoor pollutants and allergens such as pollen.
  • Use dust covers on your bed and pillows to reduce dust exposure.
  • Reduce pet dander by regularly grooming and bathing your pets.
  • Cover your nose and mouth when spending time outside in the cold
  • Use a humidifier or dehumidifier to keep humidity in your home at optimal levels.
  • Clean your house regularly to eliminate mold spores and other indoor allergens.

Acute Asthma Attack Symptoms

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An acute asthma attack is a medical emergency youll must seek immediate medical help and go to hospital.

Acute asthma attack symptoms to be aware of include:

  • Rapid breathing that doesnt ease with use of a reliever inhaler
  • Extreme shortness of breath being unable to inhale or exhale fully
  • An inability to speak in full sentences
  • Confusion or agitation
  • Developing a blue tint on the face, lips or fingernails.

If you dont seek treatment for an acute asthma attack, your life could be in danger. Find out more about acute asthma by reading our guide to severe asthma.

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What To Do When Having An Asthma Attack

If you have asthma, then its important that you know what to do and not do if you have an asthma attack.

  • Sit upright in a comfortable position and loosen any tight clothing. Leaning forward slightly or sitting backwards on a chair may help your breathing.
  • Breathe slowly and deeply.
  • If you dont have your inhaler with you, call an ambulance. Dial 999 in the UK, 911 in the US or 112 in the Europe Union.
  • If you do have your reliever inhaler , take one puff every 30-60 seconds up to a maximum of 10 puffs. If you have a spacer device to hand, use that to administer the inhaler, as it can help the medicine get into your airways more efficiently.
  • If youre using your inhaler and feel worse or you dont feel any better after youve had 10 puffs, call the emergency services.
  • If youre waiting for an ambulance and it hasnt arrived within 15 minutes, use your reliever inhaler again and take one puff every 30 to 60 seconds, up to a maximum of 10 puffs.
  • Stay as calm as you can, as panic and anxiety can make your symptoms worse.
  • Its hard to predict exactly when an asthma attack will occur, so its also important to discuss your condition with your family, friends and employer. Its essential that they all become better acquainted with what happens and how to react and help if you have an asthma attack.

    Gassy Foods And Stomach Fullness

    Its normal feeling too full after the occasional large meal. When it comes to asthma management, eating too much may cause breathing difficulties. This is because your full stomach places pressure on your diaphragm. One way to prevent this effect is to eat smaller, more frequent meals. You can also decrease stomach fullness and the chances of wheezing by limiting gassy foods. Examples include broccoli, beans, cauliflower, onions, garlic and sausage.

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    Are Allergies And Asthma Related

    Allergies and asthma are related conditions linked by a common airway. They both affect our breathing by blocking the free passage of air between the nose and the lungs.

    With allergies, the obstruction occurs in the upper area of the airway when the layers of the nose become inflamed. Sneezing helps to clear the mucus from the upper part of the airway. With asthma, the breathlessness and wheezing are caused by a narrowing of the bronchioles. Inflammation of the small airways layers may cause mucus to increase, making the obstruction worse. The dry cough that develops in the airways helps to clear out the mucus. An allergic reaction in the lungs can develop into asthma, so its important to immediately address the symptoms to control both conditions.

    Did You Know:

    How Do You Know If Food Is One Of Your Asthma Triggers

    How does asthma work? – Christopher E. Gaw

    If you think certain foods trigger your asthma symptoms or your childs symptoms, talk to your GP or asthma nurse as soon as possible. This is important because an asthma attack triggered by an allergic reaction to food can be worse, particularly for children.

    Your GP or asthma nurse can help you work out if youre allergic or sensitive to certain foods. They can:

    • refer you for an allergy test to confirm or rule out any food allergies, usually a skin prick test
    • help you identify foods youre sensitive to that dont show up in allergy tests by supporting you to keep a food and symptom diary, which you can review at your appointment
    • support you in excluding certain foods or food groups for a while, and reintroducing them safely to see which foods trigger asthma symptoms
    • confirm or rule out anything else which could be making your asthma worse, such as acid reflux
    • update your asthma action plan with new food triggers, and any action you need to take if your asthma symptoms are triggered by food.

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    How This Attack Leads To Asthma From Food

    Now, youre probably asking how everything above relates to eating food and getting an asthma attack.

    Well, the outcome for developing asthma from the 1st attack from this type of parasite, the way the body reacts to the invasion determines how the bodys adaptive immune system is set up for all future attacks.

    In the case of asthma, the adaptive immune system develops memory cells for employing this defence mechanism for this type of parasitic or allergen attack for all future attacks. If the body has no further attacks in a set period of time , then the memory cells may be discarded as they arent considered to be needed, but if you receive another in the next couple of years, then the memory cells are retained.

    This is similar to a vaccine needing to be delivered multiple times for effectiveness.

    Because the defence mechanism is based in the immune system, which works hand in hand with the circulatory system, it affects the whole body, not just 1 or 2 organs.

    So every time that secretions from this type of parasite are experienced in any part of the body which employs a similar defence mechanism , then any part of the body can experience an effect, similar to an asthma attack for this part of the body as well as others.

    Some examples include:

  • An asthma attack in the lungs,
  • A bout of vomiting or diarrhea from the large or small intestines of the digestive system,
  • A bout of rashes and inflammation of the skin,
  • References

    Food Sensitivities And Allergies

    A well-balanced diet is a core element of healthy living because it helps your body function at its best. Theres little doubt that a healthy diet has countless benefits, including promoting a healthier immune system that can help keep asthma under control.

    Just as a healthy diet has benefits, there are foods and drinks that can have adverse effects on some people with asthma and should be avoided.

    Did you know?

    Children with both food allergies and asthma are at increased risk for severe anaphylactic reactions to foods.

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    Food Allergies And Sensitivities

    Food allergies

    Although a lot of food allergies start in childhood, you can develop them as an adult too.

    Some of the most common food allergens are gluten , shellfish, eggs, milk, tree nuts, peanuts, sesame seeds, and soya.

    Some food allergies, such as allergies to milk and eggs, are more common in children.

    People with food allergies need to be strict about avoiding certain foods. Allergic reactions to food can happen very quickly. A severe allergic reaction can be life-threatening.

    Reactions to food can quickly bring on asthma symptoms too, like wheezing, coughing and breathing difficulties.

    An anaphylactic reaction and an asthma attack can look similar. If you have both a food allergy and asthma, and are in any doubt about your symptoms, use your auto-injector pen and get help straight away.

    You can also find out more about particular food allergies on the NHS website.

    you’re having a severe allergic reaction or

    you’re having an asthma attack and your blue reliever isn’t helping or

    you’re not sure if your symptoms are an allergic reaction, or an asthma attack.

    Food sensitivities

    Being sensitive to certain foods is not the same as a true allergy. Theres less clear-cut evidence to show a link to asthma symptoms. However, it could be that some of the chemicals and ingredients in food and drink products trigger asthma symptoms.

    The most common food sensitivities that can trigger asthma symptoms are:

    Can Allergies Trigger Asthma

    Your seasonal guide to asthma triggers

    Allergies and asthma are closely related conditions. An allergic reaction can trigger an asthma attack for people with asthma, causing allergy-induced asthma or allergic asthma. This makes it crucial for people with asthma to be aware of allergens and how they can spur asthma attacks.

    Here, well discuss the link between allergies and asthma and offer tips for managing both conditions.

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    Foods That Contain Sulfites

    Sulfites are a type of preservative often present in preserved foods and beverages, such as alcohol, pickled foods, bottled lemon and lime juice, and dried fruits.

    People with asthma who have high levels of sulfites in their diet may find that their symptoms worsen. The ALA warns that consuming foods containing sulfites, particularly wine, may even trigger an asthma episode.

    People with asthma should try to identify and avoid triggers that may worsen their symptoms or bring on asthma episodes.

    The ALA says that the following are some things to avoid to prevent triggering asthma:

    • over-the-counter medications, such as aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
    • common food allergens, such as peanuts and shellfish
    • smoke exposure, such as from cigarette smoke, campfires, or wood burning fireplaces
    • adverse weather, such as stormy, windy, cold, or humid weather
    • air pollution, smog, vehicle exhaust fumes, and chemical fumes
    • dander and saliva from animals with fur or feathers
    • environmental exposure to dust mites, mold, or spores

    If a person experiences an asthma episode, they should try to take the following steps:

  • Sit upright, stay calm, and try to breathe slowly and steadily.
  • For people who have a rescue inhaler, which is usually blue, take one puff every 30â60 seconds.
  • If the symptoms do not improve or the person does not have an inhaler, call for emergency help.
  • Continue to use the inhaler while waiting for help to arrive.
  • Mold Allergy Symptoms And Causes

    Mold is present both indoors and outdoors. It can also trigger both allergies and asthma attacks. If mold particles are floating through the air invisible to you, then you could inhale them as you go about your daily life without realizing.

    Like other environmental allergens, mold spores can trigger hay fever-like symptoms such as:

    • Runny nose
    • Sneezing
    • Itchy/watery eyes

    In patients with both mold allergy and asthma, asthma symptoms may be triggered by mold exposure. Signs of an asthma attack include:

    • Coughing
    • Shortness of breath
    • Chest tightness

    Most symptoms caused by mold are uncomfortable, but not serious. However, there are certain allergic conditions that can be more severe. These include:

    • Allergic fungal sinusitis. This is a type of sinus infection caused by an inflammatory response to fungus in the sinuses. The sinuses get blocked up with fungal debris and thick mucus.
    • Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis or mycosis: Aspergillus fumigatus is a mold found in soil. It can cause an inflammatory damage in the lungs, which is more common in patients with asthma or cystic fibrosis.
    • Hypersensitivity pneumonitis: This rare immune system disorder which is triggered by airborne particles including mold spores. It causes swelling in the alveoli of your lung which make it more difficult for the oxygen to reach your bloodstream.

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    What Is Food Allergy

    Food allergy is defined as a reaction of an immune system which mainly occurs soon after the body consumes a certain food.

    This generally happens when our body identifies certain food to be harmful or allergic thereby causing few reactions and medical symptoms in our body which needs special treatment.

    These particular foods which cause an allergic reaction in the body are certainly identified as allergens for these types of individuals.

    While for some people, the reaction can be mild or uncomfortable it can be severe, intolerable and life-threatening for others.

    Know Your Pollen Triggers

    Apollo Hospitals | Which foods should asthma patients avoid? | Dr. Sundararajan L

    You can be allergic to more than one kind of pollen across the year. Different pollens are released at different times, but our changeable weather makes it hard to predict exactly when. If you have hay fever symptoms all year round you might have non-allergic rhinitis.

    • If you regularly get hay fever and take , start taking them up to four weeks before you normally get symptoms. Starting them early means that when pollen starts being released, the medication has already built up in your bloodstream so you may be less likely to react.
    • If you usually use a steroid nasal spray, it can take up to two weeks to start working, so again, start using it before your personal pollen trigger is released.

    Use our pollen calendar

    To work out which pollen sets off your hay fever, note the days when your symptoms are bad. Use our pollen calendar to see which pollen could be your trigger, and when its likely to be released.

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    What’s The Impact Of Diet On Asthma Symptoms

    Eating a healthy, balanced diet with the right foods and nutrients can improve your overall health, including your lung health.

    Moreover, research shows that following a Mediterranean diet rich in fish, olive oil, fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and legumes can help reduce asthma symptoms or prevent the condition altogether.

    Plant-based diets that emphasize fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains while limiting the intake of dairy and high-fat meats, can also protect against asthma development and improve asthma symptoms.

    These foods are rich in compounds and antioxidants that can fight inflammation and oxidation caused by toxins we’re exposed to daily.

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