There's a common misconception that cow's milk is a "mucus-forming" food that, in some people, causes or worsens asthma symptoms. While it's true that some people can present with asthma-like symptoms upon consuming cow's milk due to an allergy, there is no component of cow's milk that can actually affect asthma.
Asthma
According to PubMed Health, asthma is a chronic airway disorder that results from inflammation of the small airways. This causes the airways to narrow, making it more difficult to move air in and out of the lungs and resulting in a characteristic "wheezing" noise and the sensation of itching in the chest or difficulty breathing. Asthma attacks can be triggered by cold air, exercise, inhaled allergens and a variety of other things.
Cow's Milk Allergy
While there's a common misconception that people with lactose intolerance are allergic to milk -- they're not; they simply can't digest milk sugar -- there are those with true cow's milk allergies. If you have a cow's milk allergy, your immune system reacts to cow's milk proteins by attacking them, which leads to a variety of symptoms, including itching, hives and even wheezing. Not all wheezing is asthma, however, so the wheezing caused by a milk allergy isn't considered an asthma attack.
Relationship
Despite the similar symptoms caused by an asthma attack and a milk allergy, there's no scientific research to indicate that reacting to milk affects your asthma, according to a 2005 article by Dr. Robert Sieber in the "Journal of the American College of Nutrition." Further, there's no evidence to support the notion that cow's milk is a "mucus-forming food" or that it is a food you should avoid if you're asthmatic or have a cold. However, you should avoid milk if you appear to be allergic to it.
Guidelines
If you wheeze occasionally -- regardless of whether the wheezing occurs after consuming cow's milk -- you should see your doctor for an evaluation. Your doctor can help you determine whether the wheezing is due to an underlying condition such as asthma or results from food allergies such as an allergy to cow's milk. Based on your doctor's determination, you can make appropriate dietary and lifestyle choices.
Member Comments