You might not think that asthma and food allergies are connected, but they are. Research has found that people who have food allergies are more likely to develop asthma compared to those who don’t. This can lead to anaphylaxis which is a life-threatening body reaction. Here is what you need to know about the connection between food allergies and asthma.
Food Triggers And Asthma
When it comes to understanding asthma and food allergies, you need to know about food triggers. Not many foods exist that can lead to an asthma attack. However, you might have an allergic reaction that might seem similar to that of an asthma attack after you consume certain foods. Some examples of such foods are fish, tree nuts, eggs, wheat, shellfish, cow’s milk, and soy. Food preservatives can act as food triggers that can lead to food allergy and then eventually an asthma attack. You can ask your doctor to perform skin tests so you know which foods you are allergic to and avoid those.
Symptoms
You should know some symptoms of asthma and food allergies. Food allergy symptoms include nausea, diarrhea, hives, vomiting, and rash. If the food allergy leads to asthma then you will have the food allergy symptoms first and then you will have symptoms such as wheezing and coughing.
If you do not realize that you have food allergies and asthma, then it can lead to anaphylaxis. You should act as soon as you notice that you have a food allergy followed by an asthma attack. The sooner you get treated, the lower the chances of it causing anaphylaxis.
Treatments
The treatment of asthma and food allergies is usually given separately. However, there are certain treatments that can help treat both conditions. Your doctor can recommend a leukotriene modifier that can help give you relief from food allergy and asthma symptoms. Leukotriene modifier helps control the chemicals that are released during an allergic reaction by your immune system.
Another therapy is anti-immunoglobulin E therapy or IgE therapy. The therapy’s aim is to prevent the reaction from occurring so that it doesn’t lead to asthma symptoms. Immunotherapy is another treatment option available.
How To Stay Safe
There are some simple ways you can get asthma and food allergies in control. Here are three ways.
Allergy Shots
You might be a candidate for allergy shots. If you are then your doctor can give them to you. Allergy shots are also called immunotherapy. If you don’t feel comfortable with this, then you have another option called SLIT or sublingual immunotherapy in which you keep the medication under your tongue so it dissolves there.
Stay Away From Food Triggers
If you have experienced asthma as a result of a food allergy before, then you should steer clear of the food that triggered the attack. You should carefully read all labels before you buy any food item. When you eat out, you should always make sure what you are eating to ensure you are not consuming even a little bit of the food that you are allergic to.
Always Keep Epinephrine With You
Ideally, doctors recommend that you keep two epinephrine shot kits with you at all times. You want to ensure you get access to them when you need to. If you feel like you have symptoms that indicate anaphylaxis then you should use the auto-injector to be on the safe side. You should then call 911 immediately.