Dear Breathe easy,

Scientists do not know the basic cause of asthma, only that it involves a basic defect in the lungs that leaves them highly irritable. There are definitively, however, aggravating factors that can bring on an asthma attack. Allergies are a common trigger of asthma, including allergies to pollen, mold, house dust, animal dander, and occassionally medicine or foods. Allergies alone will not cause asthma however-- not all allergic people have asthma, and many asthmatics are not allergic. Respiratory infections are likely to aggravate asthma, as do changes in the weather (seasonal, temperature, or humidity level). Exercise is another common asthma trigger, as well as environmental irritants such as cigarette smoke, gasoline fumes, hair sprays, perfumes, cleaning solutions. Emotional stress can lead to an asthma attack. Hormones, aspirin, cold dry air, very cold or spicy foods or beverages, and "intrinsic factors" can all stimulate an asthma attack. No two people with asthma are exactly alike; each has his/her own pattern of sensitivity.

Although foods such as milk and eggs may cause problems for some babies with asthma, food allergy is not a common cause of asthma and changes in diet are not usually recommended. However, as asthma can be triggered by very cold food or drink, and on occasion, by overeating, it would be wise to avoid these situations. In addition, reactions to food preservatives known as sulfites and bisulfites have triggered asthmatic reactions in sensitive individuals.

There are holistic approaches to health and healing that promote dietary changes to control asthma. Other recommended methods of care include accupuncture treatments and meditation. The information Alice found about changes in diet and asthma was mainly from Europe, and small, inconclusive studies. One study however, did find that fish oil, specifically food intake of N-3 fatty acids helped some asthmatics. There is also currently a study being conducted at Lenox Hill Hospital in the Bronx, using guided imagery for asthmatics. Dr. James Halper is the project director.

Alice

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