Food Allergy & Asthma

Asthma is a chronic disease that affects the lungs.  People who have food allergies are at increased risk of asthma.

Two changes happen in the airways of a person with asthma.  One is inflammation (irritated and swollen lungs), causing mucus to be produced, and the second is tightening of the muscles around the airway, causing the airway to become smaller.  With increased mucus and a smaller airway, it is difficult to move air in and out of the lungs.

Normal and Asthma Lung Airways: In people without asthma the muscles around the airways are relaxed and there is no swelling or mucus.  In people with asthma the airways can get swollen, filled with mucus and the muscles around the airways can spasm and squeeze tighter.

Symptoms of asthma include cough, being short of breath, wheezing and tightness of the chest.  There are many different “triggers” that cause asthma symptoms. People can have different asthma triggers and symptoms can vary from mild to severe.

Asthma triggers include dust mites, pets, pollen, smoking, pollutin, cold air, viral infection, chemical fumes and exercise

Asthma is a chronic disease and often lasts a person’s entire life.  If your child has asthma, it is very important that they are seen on a regular basis by their doctor and that their asthma is well controlled.

Asthma girl with mother using spacer
Your child’s asthma can control asthma by:

  • Avoiding contact with their specific asthma “triggers”.
  • Taking the medicine prescribed by their doctor.
  • Following their asthma action plan.
  • Having regular follow-up visits with their doctor.

You can learn about asthma management by speaking with an asthma educator or participating in an asthma education program.

Children with both food allergy and asthma are at risk of having a more severe alergic reaction.

Ask the doctor to help you fill out both an asthma action plan and Anaphylaxis Emergency Plan.  Don’t forget to discuss the signs and symptoms of asthma and anaphylaxis with your child’s doctor.

Food Allergy Emergency Action Plan

If your child has difficulty breathing during an allergic reaction, give the auto-injector before giving asthma medication.  Keep in mind that epinephrine will treat severe asthmatic symptoms as well as anaphylaxis.  Asthma is a major risk factor for death in severe allergic reactions caused by food.2 16

Teaching Children - handprint 50px

Teaching Children
  • Involve your child in managing their asthma.
  • Teach your child when and how to use their asthma medication.
  • Tell your child to talk to an adult if they are having asthma symptoms such as coughing, chest tightness, wheezing or shortness of breath.

References
2. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease (NIAID)-Sponsored Expert Panel. “Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Food Allergy in the United States: Report of the NIAID-Sponsored Expert Panel.” The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology 126.6 (2010): S1-S58.

16. Bock, A.S., Muñoz-Furlong, A. and Sampson, H.A. “Fatalities due to anaphylactic reactions to foods.” The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology 107.1 (2001): 191-193.


5451a53e41
/handbook/wp-admin/options-general.php?page=emc2-popup-disclaimer/emc2pdc-admin.php
ba7117872b
79
1
Accept
Decline
http://www.allergyhome.org/handbook
1

PLEASE READ THIS NOTE BEFORE READING THE HANDBOOK

The information in this handbook is for educational purposes only. It is meant to help people learn how to manage a child’s allergies. It is not meant to give specific medical advice, recommendations, diagnosis, or treatment.

Readers should not rely on any information contained in this handbook as a replacement or substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis or treatment. Nor should they delay getting professional medical advice or treatment because of information contained in this handbook. Medical knowledge is constantly developing.

Please speak with your child’s doctor or other healthcare professional before making any medical decision that affects your child or if you have any questions or concerns about their food allergies.

The authors of this handbook – Michael Pistiner, Jennifer LeBovidge and Anaphylaxis Canada – as well as individual contributors and reviewers will not be held responsible for any action taken or not taken based on/or as a result of the reader’s interpretation (understanding) of the information contained herein.

Please note that AllergyHome is not affiliated with Boston Children’s Hospital

Accept Decline