Top 4 Foods to Avoid When Managing Asthma
This comprehensive guide outlines four key foods to avoid for asthma management, including dairy, eggs, peanuts, and shellfish, to help reduce attack risks. It also highlights effective medications like Tezepelumab and FASENRA® that aid in controlling symptoms and improving lung function. Proper dietary choices combined with medical treatment can significantly enhance quality of life for asthma sufferers.
Foods to Steer Clear Of for Asthma Patients
Asthma, a chronic lung condition, causes airway inflammation leading to breathing difficulties. Excess mucus in the lungs worsens symptoms, often causing shortness of breath. While medication is crucial, adjusting your diet plays an essential role in managing attacks. Avoiding certain foods can reduce attack frequency.
Dairy Products
Consumption of milk and other dairy may increase mucus production, aggravating asthma symptoms. Reducing dairy intake or choosing probiotic-rich options like Greek yogurt is recommended. Avoid products with preservatives as well.
Eggs
Despite being a nutritious protein source, eggs can trigger asthma attacks, especially in individuals with egg allergies. Monitoring label ingredients and opting for alternatives like soy, pulses, or tofu is advised.
Peanuts can provoke severe allergic reactions, leading to airway swelling, anaphylaxis, and difficulty breathing. Children with asthma are more vulnerable, so avoiding peanut-based foods is essential. Shellfish
Containing sulfites, shellfish such as shrimp, lobster, and crabs can trigger asthma symptoms significantly. Staying away from these crustaceans reduces attack risks.
To manage asthma effectively, understanding available treatment options is vital. Medications like Tezepelumab, a monoclonal antibody, help reduce airway inflammation and is administered via injections. Nucala or Mepolizumab are other options targeting eosinophilic asthma, decreasing reliance on steroids. FASENRA® is a treatment for severe eosinophilic asthma, improving lung function and reducing attack frequency through regular injections every eight weeks.
