Asthma is a chronic medical condition that affects the ability to breath by constricting the airways. While it isn't completely clear what causes asthma, there is no evidence supporting the claim that drinking milk causes the disease. Talk to a physician if you believe you suffer from asthma or need medical advice about the disease.
Asthma
Asthma constriction of the airways causes symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, chest tightness and breathing difficulties. Acute onsets of such symptoms are known as asthma attacks and can be so severe as to deprive a person's organs of oxygen. Severe asthma attacks sometimes require hospitalization and can even lead to death.
Milk and Asthma
According to Michigan State University's "Michigan Dairy Review," there is no scientific evidence to support the claim that drinking milk causes a person to become asthmatic. There is evidence to show that children with a dairy allergy are more likely to develop asthma later in life. The evidence, however, does not support a causal relationship between ingesting any dairy product and developing asthma.
Causes and Triggers
According to MayoClinic.com, the causes of asthma aren't completely clear. Some people develop asthma while others do not, and scientists believe that a combination of environmental and genetic factors contribute to the development of the disease. Asthma sufferers are affected by different factors, known as triggers, that bring about asthma symptoms or attacks. These vary widely, but can include exercise, cold air, airborne allergens such as pollen as well as any substance to which a person has an allergic reactions, including dairy products in those with dairy allergies.
Treatment
There is no cure for asthma, but there are treatments available to asthma sufferers. People who experience asthma symptoms or attacks after ingesting certain foods, such as milk or other dairy products, should minimize their contact with these substances. Minimizing exposure to other known triggers is an effective preventative step, though it isn't always enough. Medications such as inhalers to treat acute symptoms and daily medications to inhibit symptoms are also available.
