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One of the common respiratory issues that arise in children is asthma, which will impair their ability to breathe easily. Certain environmental factors such as pollen, dust, and pet dander are some of the well-known triggers of asthma, notably certain foods can also trigger asthma signs. Identifying and avoiding those food triggers plays a significant role in managing asthma in children. Further, let’s have a close look at this blog, to know the foods that are known to trigger asthma and how parents can assist their children in maintaining a safe and healthy diet.
Table of Contents
What is food-triggered asthma?
Food-related asthma signs occur when the immune system is affected by certain food components, resulting in inflammation in the airways. This may lead to wheezing, shortness of breath, coughing, and chest tightness. Although food allergies are different from asthma, few foods will trigger allergic reactions and asthma flare-ups in sensitive children, then reach out to the asthma treatment hospital in Coimbatore to manage your kid’s asthma effectively.
What are the common foods that trigger asthma in children?
Dairy products:
Milk and other dairy products such as cheese, yogurt, and butter will cause mucus build-up in a few children, resulting in congestion and difficulty breathing. Further, a few children will have dairy allergies, which remain a direct trigger for asthma symptoms.
Processed and fast foods:
Typically, processed foods come with artificial preservatives, unhealthy fats, and additives that will impair your asthma symptoms. Further, extra sodium present in fast foods will result in inflammation in the airways, making it tough for your kids to breathe.
Sulfite-rich foods:
Typically, several processed foods contain sulfate preservatives, and they will highly trigger asthma attacks in children. Some of the common foods that contain sulfites include:
- Canned vegetables
- Wine vinegar
- Packed juices
- Processed potatoes
Eggs:
One of the most common food allergies in children is eggs, and this will also result in asthma. In case your child is allergic to eggs, remove them from your kid’s diet because it will cause inflammation in your kid’s airways, which will result in asthma breathing.
Fish:
Shellfish such as crabs, and lobster, and also certain types of fish will trigger asthma attacks in children with seafood allergies. If your child is highly sensitive, even inhaling cooking fumes from shellfish can result in asthma attacks.
Peanuts:
Peanuts and tree nuts such as almonds, cashews, and walnuts are notorious allergens that can cause severe allergic reactions, like asthma attacks. If your kids have nut allergies, you should carefully read food labels and avoid cross-contamination.
Artificial additives:
Several processed foods come with artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives that will irritate your respiratory system and result in asthma attacks. Further, MSG (monosodium glutamate), which is seen in several Chinese foods, snacks, and processed meats, is one such additive known to trigger asthma in a few children.
Sugary drinks:
Soft drinks, notably those with artificial sweeteners and caffeine, contribute to inflammation and worsen the signs of asthma. The high sugar content in these drinks can also lead to obesity, a known risk factor for asthma.
What foods are good for kids with asthma?
Further, let’s see what asthma food to eat to manage your kid’s asthma.
Fruits and vegetables:
Rich in antioxidants such as vitamin C and beta-carotene, fruits and vegetables assist in reducing inflammation in the airways. The few best options include:
- Apples
- Berries
- Spinach
- Carrots
- Organes
- Bell peppers
Omega-3 fatty acids:
Foods with omega-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties that benefit your lung health. Further, let’s see some good sources:
- Salmon
- Chia seeds
- Flaxseeds
- Walnuts
Magnesium-rich foods:
Magnesium assists in relaxing the muscles around the airways and improves breathing. The magnesium-rich foods include:
- Bananas
- Pumpkin seeds
- Dark leafy greens
- Avocados
Whole grains:
Whole grains such as brown rice, quinoa, and oats offer essential nutrients and fiber, which assist in maintaining overall health and reduce inflammation.
Herbal teas and warm liquids:
Drink warm herbal teas like ginger or chamomile tea, which helps in soothing the airways and reduces mucus build-up.
How to manage food-triggered asthma in children?
Identify and avoid triggers:
Try to maintain a food diary to track your kid’s reactions to various foods. In case food is constantly leading to asthma signs, it should be removed from your child’s diet.
Read food labels carefully:
As all we know, processed foods contain hidden allergens and preservatives. By reading the ingredients lists carefully, you can assist your kids in preventing accidental exposure to asthma-triggering foods.
Eat a fresh and balanced diet:
A diet with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins will greatly assist in reducing inflammation and strengthen the immune system. Further, foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants will support lung health.
Encourage hydration:
Drinking plenty of water assists to thin mucus in the airways, making it easier to breathe. Even herbal teas and warm soups can also be beneficial.
Consult a pediatrician:
If your child is frequently experiencing asthma attacks after eating certain foods, consider consulting an allergist or best child specialist in Coimbatore to confirm your child’s food allergies and develop a customized asthma management plan.
Final takeaway:
In conclusion, we can say that food is not the main cause of asthma, but a few foods can potentially trigger and worsen your child’s asthma symptoms. By being mindful of dietary choices and avoiding known triggers, parents can assist their kids breathe better and reduce the risk of asthma flare-ups. In case you think that your child’s asthma is triggered by food, consult a healthcare provider for proper guidance and dietary recommendations. A nutritious diet, along with appropriate medical care, can greatly improve a kid’s quality of life and overall respiratory health.
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