Asthma Complexities (cont.)
Food allergy
Food intolerance is very common but is not food allergy since it does not
involve the immune system. Often this can present with abdominal discomfort
after eating the certain food. Lactose intolerance is a classic example and
occurs when dairy products are eaten and the individual does not have the proper
digestive enzyme for these diary products. Food allergy on the other hand
involves the immune system and the production of specific antibodies to
components of the food. These antibodies are usually of a specific type called
immunoglobulin E (IgE). The most common food allergens are the proteins in
cow's milk, soy, fish, shellfish, eggs, and peanuts.
Usually, the symptoms of food allergy relate to problems with the skin. Hives,
which are raised, red, warm and itchy lesions, can develop suddenly. Atopic dermatitis
(eczema) is more chronic and appears as raised, itchy, scaly lesions.
Gastrointestinal symptoms can also occur. Severe reactions can occur rarely and
result in failure of the respiratory system and/or cardiovascular collapse.
This is referred to as anaphylaxis. Asthma, too, can occur following exposure to
a food substance to which an individual is allergic. The optimal management of
these food allergies is avoidance of the offending food if possible. When one
discovers or suspects that a food allergy may be present, an evaluation and
testing by a professional with expertise in allergies (allergist, immunologist)
is recommended. These professionals will often perform a variety of skin tests
and blood tests looking for evidence of IgE antibodies to the suspected
offending substance. A food diary involving a detailed record of all substances
consumed can be helpful in discovering the offending food. Once discovered,
complete avoidance of these foods is recommended.
- Unusual symptoms of asthma include cough, rapid
breathing, fatigue, sighing, difficulty sleeping, anxiety, and difficulty
concentrating. These symptoms can mimic other illnesses.
- Asthma can be mimicked by other conditions, such as
heart failure, bronchitis, emphysema, bronchiectasis, bronchial obstruction,
vocal-cord dysfunction, and hypersensitivity reactions.
- Exercise is a common trigger for asthma and may cause
symptoms in 80%-90% of asthmatics.
- Exercise-induced asthma is managed by choosing an
appropriate sport, controlling the asthma prior to events, warming up,
avoiding cold, stopping exercise during an asthma attack, cooling down after
exercise, and preventing episodes with the use of inhalers and
bronchodilators.
- Some conditions can cause asthma to worsen, including GERD, allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, food allergies, and air pollution.
Last Editorial Review: 9/9/2008
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