Do food allergens exacerbate asthma attacks in the 30s?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am a 30-year-old female with a history of food allergies and asthma. Recently, I have been experiencing more frequent and severe asthma attacks, and I suspect they may be linked to my food allergies. However, I am unsure of the specific connections or potential triggers.

Could you please explain the relationship between food allergies and asthma?
Are there certain types of food allergens that are more likely to exacerbate asthma symptoms?
Additionally, what are the recommended steps to take when experiencing an asthma attack potentially triggered by a food allergy?

Thanks.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

Food allergies and asthma can be interconnected. Individuals with food allergies have a higher risk of developing asthma. Both conditions involve an overactive immune response. In asthma, this leads to airway inflammation and constriction, while in food allergies, the immune system reacts to specific proteins in foods.

During an allergic reaction, the body releases substances like histamines, which can also affect the airways and trigger asthma symptoms. Individuals may react to airborne allergens (like pollen) and food allergens due to similarities in protein structures, leading to asthma exacerbations.

Common food allergens that can exacerbate asthma are:

Milk.
Eggs.
Peanuts.
Tree nuts.
Soy.
Wheat.
Fish.
Shellfish.

Kindly follow the below-mentioned guidelines:

Immediately stop consuming the food that triggered the reaction.
Take your fast-acting inhaler.
If you have antihistamines, take them to help counteract the allergic reaction unless otherwise contraindicated.
If you have severe symptoms like difficulty breathing, swelling of the throat, or loss of consciousness, rush to the emergency.
Strictly avoid foods that trigger your allergies.
Always have your inhaler.
Must get physically examined by a treating doctor.

I hope this information will help you.

Kindly revert in case of further doubts.

Thank you.