Asthma occurs when the lung tissues become inflamed, causing the airway walls to tighten, narrow and produce extra mucus. This leads to symptoms commonly associated with an asthma attack such as wheezing, difficulty breathing and coughing. The common triggers of asthma are usually airborne particles such as pollen and dust. However, asthma can also occur in people with food allergies or those exposed to saturated levels of food particles in the air.
Allergy-Causing Foods
Peanuts, tree nuts, shellfish, fish, milk, eggs, soy and wheat are some of the most common food allergens. In an allergic reaction, the immune system releases histamine and other immune substances to various parts of the body such as the skin, digestive system, throat and lungs. The reaction may include an asthma attack, which can range from mild wheezing to severe breathing difficulty and may last from hours to days.
Inhaled Food Particles
Allergic reactions usually happen upon eating or touching the allergy-causing food. However, in some cases, an asthma attack can occur when you inhale the offending food. For instance, fumes from cooking shellfish, baking mixes with milk, soy or wheat flour, dried egg products, peanut shells or ground nuts can cause an asthma attack, notes a 2006 publication from the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology.
Alcohol-Induced Asthma
Alcohol consumption can also bring about severe asthma attack, according to a July 2001 issue in "Internal Medicine." Some people who may experience alcohol-induced asthma include chronic alcoholics taking disulfiram and those who have a mutation in an enzyme that metabolizes alcohol. In these persons, symptoms such as wheezing and difficulty breathing occurred within 30 minutes of drinking an alcoholic drink. In some cases, severe to life-threatening asthma attacks may occur.
Prevention and Treatment
The best way to prevent food-related asthma attacks is to avoid the offending food. Eliminate the food from your diet, keeping in mind that asthma and other allergic symptoms can flare up when you eat allergy causing foods. Read food labels and ask for the ingredient list to unfamiliar foods. Avoid places such as restaurants, processing plants and bakeries where the food might be offered or manufactured. An injectable emergency epinephrine can treat an allergic reaction or allergy-related asthma attack. Short-acting bronchodilators such as albuterol can effectively relieve asthma symptoms in the event of an attack. Consult with your doctor if you suspect a food induced asthma so he can properly diagnose your condition.
