How can a 27-year-old manage asthma and food allergies?

Question

Hello doctor,

I hope you are well.

I am writing about my 27-year-old brother, who has had asthma since childhood and was recently diagnosed with multiple food allergies, including peanuts, shellfish, and dairy.

We are finding it difficult to manage both conditions together. Occasionally, he experiences breathing difficulties shortly after eating, and it is unclear whether these episodes are due to asthma, a food allergy, or both.

Could you advise whether he should carry both an inhaler and an Epinephrine auto-injector at all times?
Are individuals with asthma at higher risk of severe anaphylactic reactions from food allergies?
Can certain foods trigger asthma symptoms without a typical allergic response?

We would greatly appreciate your guidance on how to manage his condition more effectively.

Thank you for your time and support.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com

I read your query and understand your concern.

People with asthma and food allergies may experience breathing difficulties after eating for a variety of reasons. This is sometimes due to an allergic reaction, which can produce throat tightness, irritation, swelling, or, in severe cases, anaphylaxis. Eating may also cause an asthma attack without eliciting a full allergic response.

He should always carry both his inhaler and an epinephrine auto-injector, since they are used for different reasons. The inhaler helps with asthma by opening the airways, while epinephrine is needed for severe allergic reactions. Sometimes, early signs of anaphylaxis can look like asthma symptoms, so it is important to have both medicines available.

People with asthma may have a higher risk of severe allergic reactions, especially if their asthma is not well managed. That is why it is important to keep asthma under good control.

Some foods can sometimes cause asthma symptoms even if there is no clear allergic reaction. If symptoms always happen after eating certain foods like peanuts or shellfish, it is safest to treat these as allergy triggers and avoid them completely. Over time, providing greater clarity.

I hope this addresses your concerns.

Please feel free to follow up if you have any further questions.

Thank you.