Diet and asthma
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SUMMARY OF PRACTICE POINTS
| LEVEL OF EVIDENCE |
| Food allergens are uncommon triggers for asthma in any age group; diet should not be restricted unnecessarily. |
II |
| Treatment of proven food allergies involves avoidance of foods known to cause symptoms. |
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| Skin prick tests or RAST will be positive for foods that cause IgE-mediated food allergies. |
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| There is no medical foundation for the widely held view that dairy products increase mucus secretions. |
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| Weight reduction in overweight or obese people with asthma may help to reduce asthma symptoms |
III |
| Exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of life should be encouraged for all infants. |
III |
| Breastfeeding can protect against allergic rhinitis, wheezing, asthma and atopy in children. |
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People with asthma are often interested in the effect that diet may have on their symptoms. While food allergens are uncommon triggers for asthma, health professionals need to be aware of the issues and myths surrounding diet and asthma: many patients with chronic diseases seek alternative advice from other practitioners, including those with little experience and often no scientific basis for their recommendations. Patients should be particularly wary of any advice that claims that a change in diet can cure asthma and eliminate the need for medication.
Content Created (Thursday, 16 November 2006)
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Last Updated ( Thursday, 31 May 2007 )
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Diet and asthma 
