Asthma And Food Allergies

Overview

Asthma is a long-term condition that affects the airways in your lungs, causing them to become swollen and narrow. A food allergy happens when your immune system overreacts to a certain food, treating it as harmful. When a person has both, eating a food they are allergic to can make their asthma symptoms worse, and sometimes lead to a life-threatening reaction.

It is common to have both. Asthma affects millions of people worldwide, and food allergies are also very common. The two conditions often happen together, especially in children.

Both asthma and food allergies can start at any age, but they are more common in children. People who already have other allergic conditions, like eczema or hay fever, are also more likely to have these issues.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Coughing, especially at night or during exercise
• Wheezing - a whistling sound when you breathe
• Shortness of breath
• A feeling of tightness in the chest
• Hives, mild itching, or a runny nose after eating a food

Causes

Main causes

• Both conditions are linked to an overactive immune system.
• In asthma, the airways become inflamed when you breathe in a trigger, such as pollen, dust, or a virus.
• In a food allergy, your immune system mistakes a food protein as harmful and releases chemicals that cause symptoms.
• For some people, eating an allergy food causes those chemicals to also affect the airways, triggering asthma symptoms.

Risk factors

• Having a family history of asthma, allergies, or eczema
• Having another allergic condition, such as hay fever or eczema
• Having poorly controlled asthma
• Being a child, because both conditions are more common in early life

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you have asthma and think a food caused a sudden or severe reaction, seek medical help immediately.
• If your reliever inhaler is not helping and you are getting more breathless, see a doctor urgently.

Book a routine appointment if:

• If you have asthma and often get symptoms after eating certain foods, book a routine appointment.
• If you want to know if you have a food allergy, or if your child might, ask your doctor for a referral to an allergy clinic.

Diagnosis

Your doctor will start by asking about your symptoms and medical history. If a food allergy is suspected, they will likely refer you to an allergy specialist for further tests. Asthma is tested with a breathing test called spirometry.

Tests that may be done

• Skin prick test - a tiny drop of allergen is placed on your skin, and the skin is gently pricked to see if a bump appears.
• Blood test - a specific IgE blood test looks for how your immune system responds to certain foods.
• Food challenge - under medical supervision, you eat a small amount of the suspect food to see if a reaction happens.
• Spirometry - you blow into a tube to measure how well your lungs work.

What to expect at your appointment

The specialist will explain the results and work with you to create an individual action plan. This will include which foods to avoid, what to do if you accidentally eat one, and how to keep your asthma well controlled.

Treatment

Treatment for asthma and food allergies focuses on two things: keeping your asthma under control and avoiding the foods that trigger your allergy. Your doctor will create a written action plan with you.

Self-care at home

• Keep a food diary to track what you eat and any symptoms you have.
• Always carry your prescribed medicines, such as your reliever inhaler and an emergency auto-injector if your doctor prescribed one.
• Wear a medical alert bracelet or necklace that says you have a food allergy.
• Read food labels every time, as ingredients can change.
• Tell friends, family, and school staff about your allergies and how they can help in an emergency.

Medical treatments

Your doctor may prescribe a preventer inhaler to take every day to reduce airway swelling, and a reliever inhaler to use when you feel breathless. If you have a severe food allergy, you may be given an emergency auto-injector to use if a severe reaction happens. Medicine is only part of the plan, and you should always use it exactly as prescribed. There are also specialist treatments for severe asthma, given in hospital, but these are chosen by your doctor.

Living with this condition

Living with asthma and food allergies involves planning, but it becomes routine with work. You will need to think ahead about meals, travel, and activities. Always carry your medicines and know how to use them.

Lifestyle tips

• Keep your home free of common asthma triggers, such as dust, mould, and cigarette smoke.
• Exercise regularly, but warm up first and use your reliever inhaler if your doctor has told you to.
• Eat a balanced diet, avoiding your trigger foods.
• Get support for your mental health if you feel stressed or anxious.

Diet and exercise

You can eat a healthy diet and exercise normally. Just be sure to avoid your food triggers and talk to a dietitian if you need help planning meals. Exercise is good for your lungs and heart, but you should exercise when your asthma is under control and always have your reliever inhaler nearby.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Dealing with asthma and food allergies can feel scary and can increase worry or stress. It is important to talk to your doctor about how you feel. If you ever have thoughts of harming yourself, reach out for crisis support right away.

Prevention

You cannot always prevent asthma or food allergies from developing, but you can prevent symptoms by avoiding your trigger foods and taking your asthma medicines as prescribed. For children, early introduction of certain foods may help prevent allergies, but always talk to your doctor first.

Complications

If left untreated

• A severe asthma attack, which can be dangerous and need hospital care.
• Anaphylaxis - a severe allergic reaction that causes multiple parts of the body to react at once and can be fatal.
• Disrupted sleep, missed school or work, and difficulty doing daily activities.
• Feeling anxious or afraid of eating out or being away from home.

Long-term outlook

The outlook for people with asthma and food allergies is good. With the right diagnosis, a written action plan, and regular check-ups, most people can keep their symptoms under control and avoid serious reactions. You can live a full, active life. There is a lot you can do to stay safe and feel confident.

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