Patrick Oconnell
Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition that affects over 25 million Americans and causes the airways to become inflamed, irritated, or narrowed. While the exact cause of asthma is unknown, certain foods can worsen inflammation and asthma symptoms. Dairy products like cheese have long been thought to worsen asthma symptoms, but there is little scientific evidence to support this theory. In fact, some studies suggest that eating cheese may benefit people with asthma, as dairy products have been found to be associated with a lower risk of wheezing in children and adolescents. However, consuming dairy if you have a dairy allergy can cause an allergic reaction, which can trigger asthma.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can cheese cause asthma? | No |
| Can cheese trigger asthma? | Yes, if you have a dairy allergy |
| Can dairy cause asthma? | No |
| Can dairy trigger asthma? | Yes, if you have a dairy allergy |
| Can dairy cause wheezing? | No, but some studies suggest that dairy products other than milk might reduce the likelihood of wheezing in children and adolescents |
| Can dairy cause inflammation? | Yes, according to some studies |
| Can dairy cause mucus? | There is little scientific evidence to support this |
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What You'll Learn
Dairy allergy and asthma
Dairy products like milk, cheese, and yoghurt have long been thought to worsen asthma symptoms by increasing mucus production in the lungs. However, studies have found no evidence that dairy leads to more mucus. While milk's texture can leave a coating on the throat, it does not narrow or create extra mucus in the airways.
Dairy may not directly cause asthma, but having a dairy allergy can trigger asthma-like symptoms. Consuming dairy products if you have a dairy allergy can cause an allergic reaction, which may trigger asthma. Dairy products are among the foods people are most often allergic to. When you have allergies, your immune system releases chemicals to protect you from a substance that it mistakes for something harmful. This immune system response sometimes affects your lungs and airways, which is called allergic asthma or allergy-induced asthma.
There is limited research on how eating cheese affects asthma. However, some studies suggest that dairy may benefit people with asthma who do not have a milk allergy. A 2024 study of 7,667 participants with asthma found that consuming cow's milk and dairy products was not associated with asthma and asthma symptoms such as wheezing. The authors also noted that consuming dairy products like cheese may actually reduce asthma symptoms. Similarly, a 2021 study suggests that dairy may provide anti-inflammatory, protective, and lung function benefits for people with asthma.
If you have asthma, it is important to manage the condition and identify triggers to prevent asthma attacks. A doctor can help create a treatment plan that may involve medication and lifestyle changes. If you have asthma along with a serious food allergy, it is important to make an emergency plan with your doctor in case of anaphylaxis.
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Dairy products and asthma symptoms
Dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt have long been thought to worsen asthma symptoms by increasing mucus production in the lungs. However, studies have found no scientific evidence linking dairy consumption to increased mucus production or worsened asthma. While milk's texture can leave a coating on the throat, it does not narrow or create extra mucus in the airways.
There are some connections between asthma and dairy. While dairy products cannot directly cause asthma, having a dairy allergy can trigger asthma-like symptoms and asthma attacks. This is because when you have allergies, your immune system releases chemicals to protect you from a substance that it mistakes for something harmful, and this immune system response sometimes affects your lungs and airways, leading to allergy-induced asthma. Dairy products are among the foods that people are most often allergic to, and it is common for individuals with asthma to also have allergies.
If you have asthma and a dairy allergy, consuming dairy may cause an allergic reaction, triggering asthma symptoms. The best way to prevent an allergic reaction or asthma attack is to avoid triggers, so it is important to speak with a healthcare professional to determine your asthma triggers and develop a treatment plan. They may recommend avoiding dairy products or taking an antihistamine to help relieve mild allergic reactions. If you are at risk of anaphylaxis, it is crucial to have an epinephrine injection pen (EpiPen) with you.
Although dairy products are not a direct trigger for asthma symptoms in most cases, they can still affect your breathing if you have a dairy allergy. Additionally, some people with asthma find that consuming cold foods and drinks, including ice cream, can trigger a cough and cause some inflammation in the lungs. However, if dairy does not trigger your asthma symptoms, moderate consumption can be part of a balanced, healthy diet, as dairy is a good source of calcium and vitamin D.
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Dairy alternatives and asthma
Dairy products are among the foods people are most commonly allergic to. If you have asthma and a dairy allergy, consuming dairy may trigger an allergic reaction, which can cause an asthma attack. However, if you do not have a dairy allergy, eating cheese and other dairy products will likely not trigger your asthma symptoms.
While dairy products are a major source of calcium, vitamins A and B12, riboflavin, and protein, there are many dairy alternatives that provide these nutrients as well. For instance, salmon, eggs, and fortified orange juice are rich in vitamin D, and sardines, soybeans, and leafy green vegetables are rich in calcium.
If you are concerned about your calcium and vitamin D intake, you may want to ask your doctor about supplements. In addition, plant-based substitutes can help meet the nutritional needs of those who do not eat dairy products.
It is important to note that, while dairy may not directly cause asthma, having a dairy allergy can trigger asthma-like symptoms. In addition, consuming cold foods and drinks, such as ice cream, may trigger a cough in people with asthma, which may cause some inflammation in the lungs.
Some studies have also shown that certain fatty foods, such as red meat, can worsen inflammation and therefore the severity of asthma. Instead, it is recommended to substitute fish for red meat whenever possible, as oily fish like salmon contains omega-3 fatty acids, which can help people with asthma fight inflammation.
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Asthma and weight gain
Consuming dairy products like cheese, milk, and yoghurt cannot cause asthma. However, if you have a dairy allergy, consuming dairy may trigger an allergic reaction, which can set off asthma. Dairy allergies are common in people with asthma. It is important to note that no food can give you asthma.
Now, moving on to the topic of asthma and weight gain, there is a link between obesity and asthma. People with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or more have a much higher risk of having asthma than those with a lower BMI. Research has shown that obese patients often use more medications, suffer worse symptoms, and have more difficulty controlling their asthma than patients in a healthy weight range. Obesity can increase inflammation in the body, which can worsen asthma symptoms. Extra weight can put pressure on the airways and lungs, making breathing more difficult. Obesity and asthma can also worsen respiratory symptoms.
Additionally, weight gain and obesity are risk factors for developing asthma. Obesity increases the risk of asthma and worsens asthma severity through various mechanisms, including anatomical changes in the airways, systemic inflammation, and alterations in the airway microbiome. Obese children with asthma have been found to experience more frequent asthma attacks and severe exacerbations, with a decreased response to inhaled corticosteroids.
Furthermore, certain foods can worsen inflammation and the severity of asthma. A growing body of research suggests that consuming high-fat meals and foods rich in dairy products is associated with an increased risk of asthma. On the other hand, eating fatty fish like salmon, which is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, can help people with asthma fight inflammation. Substituting red meat with fish is recommended.
While weight loss may be challenging for individuals with asthma due to exercise limitations, modest weight loss can lead to improved asthma control and overall health-related quality of life. Regular exercise, calorie reduction, and maintaining a food diary have been shown to positively impact asthma symptoms and asthma-related health outcomes. However, it is important to note that weight loss is not a replacement for proper asthma treatment, and some asthma medications can cause weight gain as a side effect.
Asthma and inflammation
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways, characterised by airway inflammation and hyper-responsiveness. This inflammation causes the inner lining of the airways to swell and produce mucus, which obstructs airflow from the mouth, nose and throat into the lungs, making it difficult to breathe. The inflammation can also make the airways more sensitive to asthma triggers, increasing the likelihood of an asthma attack.
Inflammation is the central driver of asthma symptoms, and if left untreated, it can lead to severe asthma attacks. The inflammation affects all airways, from the upper respiratory tract up to the small airways, with the most pronounced effects believed to be in the medium-sized bronchi.
There are several treatments available to reduce inflammation in the airways, including anti-inflammatory medications such as inhaled corticosteroids, which are the most effective medication for reducing airway swelling and mucus production. Other anti-inflammatory medications include systemic corticosteroids, mast cell stabilisers, leukotriene modifiers and monoclonal antibodies.
While there is no evidence that any one diet will cure asthma, some foods can worsen inflammation and the severity of asthma symptoms. A growing body of research suggests that highly processed foods, such as fast food, deep-fried food, packaged food and frozen food, can increase asthma symptoms. On the other hand, a healthy diet that includes foods rich in Vitamin D and calcium, such as salmon, eggs, sardines, soybeans and leafy green vegetables, may help to reduce the risk of asthma attacks.
It is important to note that food allergies can also trigger asthma attacks, and dairy allergies are common in people with asthma. However, unless you have a dairy allergy, consuming cheese is unlikely to trigger asthma symptoms. In fact, some research suggests that eating cheese may even benefit people with asthma. Nonetheless, it is always a good idea to consult a doctor for advice on potential asthma triggers and how to manage them effectively.
Frequently asked questions
No, cheese cannot cause asthma. However, if you have a dairy allergy, consuming cheese may cause an allergic reaction, which can trigger asthma.
Some research suggests that eating cheese may benefit people with asthma. A cross-sectional study found that higher consumption of cheese was related to a lower risk of wheezing in the previous 12 months. However, another study found that the consumption of low-fat cheese was positively associated with asthma. More studies are needed to understand the link between cheese and asthma.
Foods that are rich in Vitamin D, such as salmon, eggs, and fortified orange juice, may be beneficial for people with asthma as low levels of Vitamin D have been linked to a higher risk of asthma attacks. Fatty foods like avocados, olive oil, nuts, and seeds are also healthy for people with asthma. Oily fish, like salmon, contain omega-3 fatty acids, which can help fight inflammation.
Dairy products may be a trigger for some people with asthma, although there is little scientific evidence to support this. It is important to identify your specific triggers and monitor how your body responds to certain foods. Other common triggers include sulfites found in wine, beer, dried fruit, shrimp, and pickles, as well as highly processed foods, which can increase asthma symptoms.
