My daughter has asthma and is also allergic to tree nuts. I have been told that because she has asthma we should be extra careful in preventing her from eating tree nuts. Of course we are always reading labels and protecting her from accidentally eating nuts but what does having asthma have to do with the food allergy?
The major concern is in patients who have poorly controlled asthma since a reaction to a food allergy could more easily lead to a severe asthma exacerbation along with any other allergic symptoms such as hives. Although controlled asthma in that circumstance could certainly be worsened, even become severe, it is little less likely to do so. This is one among many reasons why parents of children with asthma need to seek to reach the best possible control of their children’s asthma so they are less vulnerable to sudden episodes of worsening when exposed to asthma triggers, be it food, pollen, animal allergens or respiratory infections.
During this holiday season tree nuts will be ever present, so here are some tips.
The Asthma E-Club is not a substitute for consulting with your physician. We can't diagnose or prescribe. We will provide important information on asthma intended to be useful for your family. This may assist you in decisions that can positively affect your life.