Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology
Medical Group
Hablamos Español

Can Foods Trigger Asthma?

What is asthma?

Can Foods Trigger Asthma?

Asthma is a long-term or chronic lung disease where the lungs can become inflamed causing narrowing of the airways making it significantly difficult to breath. Symptoms of asthma usually include chest pain, shortness of breath, and coughing.

Foods Causing Asthma

Different foods would rarely cause asthma. However, some symptoms of an allergic reaction with foods can be very similar to asthma symptoms and be a source of confusion. It is important to know if you have any food allergies or food intolerance. A food allergy is when the immune system reacts to different proteins in the foods that are typically safe or harmless. Food intolerance occurs with your body responds to the food, such as reactions to chemicals in foods or drinks, and not the immune system.

Foods Associated with Allergy Symptoms

Different types of foods that are most commonly associated with allergic symptoms are: eggs, cow’s milk, peanuts, soy, wheat, fish, shellfish, and treenuts.

Food Preservatives

Food intolerances with preservatives in foods can trigger a reaction and lead to an asthma attack. Examples of such additives are: sodium bisulfite, potassium bisulfite, sodium metabisulfite, and potassium metabisulfite. These food preservatives are used in dried fruits or vegetables, packaged potatoes, wine and beer, bottled lime or lemon juice, and picked foods.

Prevention of Food Allergies and Asthma

Some simple ways to prevent food allergies and asthma are:

  1. Avoid the food triggers. Try your best to avoid contact with the foods and drinks that you know you are allergic. It’s important to always read the food labels and the question how foods are prepared before eating or drinking.
  2. Consider allergy shots. Receiving allergy shots can help train your immune system to not overreact if you come into contact with a trigger. A small amount of the substance that causes your allergy is given in an allergy shot. Following repeated shots, overtime the immune system can stop reacting to the triggers.
  3. Always keep your epinephrine with you. In severe cases of allergic reactions, you should always have on-hand your epinephrine shots. If you experience any signs of anaphylaxis, you should promptly use your epinephrine shot. Immediately call for emergency assistance as well.

If you have any concerns with your asthma and or allergies, give our team at Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology Medical Group a call at 805-658-9500 today. Our team of Asthma, Allergy, and Immunologist professionals are ready to help you.