It’s common to have a food allergy if you have asthma. Eating dairy cannot cause asthma, but you may experience an asthma attack if you have a dairy allergy and consume dairy.
Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition that causes your airways to become inflamed, irritated, or narrowed. This could obstruct the airflow from the mouth, nose, and throat into the lungs, making it more difficult to breathe.
The exact cause of asthma isn’t yet known, but experts have identified many environmental and immunological factors that may trigger asthma, such as allergies, air pollution, dust, cigarette smoke, and eating certain foods.
Some people suggest that dairy may also be linked to asthma, but limited research supports these claims.
Cow’s milk doesn’t cause asthma. But if you have a dairy allergy, it may worsen asthma symptoms or trigger symptoms that are similar to asthma.
Keep reading to learn more about the link between asthma and dairy.
What are the symptoms of asthma?
The
- shortness of breath
- chronic cough
- wheezing
- chest tightness
If you experience symptoms like difficulty breathing, it’s important to get immediate medical attention.
Asthma and allergies are closely linked because they’re often triggered by the same reactions. In fact, allergies are the most common cause of asthma attacks, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA).
A 2023 review also found that 1 in 4 people who experienced at least one asthma attack per year also had at least one food allergy.
An allergic reaction occurs when the immune system goes into overdrive because it mistakes an allergen for an attacker. As a result, your body releases immunoglobulin E (IgE) to help protect it.
However, too much IgE may cause your airways to swell up, which can trigger asthma.
Some research suggests that asthma is a risk factor for developing food allergies and vice versa. However, while a food allergy can trigger an asthma attack, asthma cannot trigger an allergic reaction.
Limited research has examined the direct effects of consuming cow’s milk and dairy products on asthma. However, studies suggest that dairy may, in fact, 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 noted that consuming dairy products like cheese may actually reduce asthma symptoms.
Similarly, the authors of a 2021 study suggest that dairy may provide anti-inflammatory, protective, and lung function benefits for people with asthma.
So, cow’s milk and other dairy products don’t cause asthma. This is true whether you have a dairy allergy or not.
However, if you have a dairy allergy, consuming dairy could trigger an allergic reaction that can also lead to asthma, a condition known as allergic asthma. This is the case for many allergies because they can cause your airways to swell.
What is a dairy allergy?
A milk or dairy allergy is when you experience an immune system reaction to the protein found in animal milk,
Around 3 in 100 children ages 3 years or younger have a milk allergy, but most outgrow this by the age of 16 years.
Most people with a dairy allergy are allergic to cow’s milk, but it’s possible to have a reaction against milk from other animals, such as goats, sheep, and buffalo.
A dairy allergy can cause breathing, stomach, and skin reactions soon after consuming dairy. Symptoms may also be similar to asthma symptoms and could include:
- vomiting
- hives
- abdominal pain
- bloody stools
- itching or tingling around the lips or mouth
A dairy allergy may also cause anaphylaxis, a severe medical condition that may be life threatening.
Get immediate medical attention if you or someone you’re with experiences any of the following symptoms after consuming dairy:
- difficulty breathing
- wheezing
- lip, tongue, or throat swelling
- coughing
One reason dairy may be linked to asthma is that it’s thought to increase the production of mucus in the body.
During an asthma attack, an increase in mucus production could cause a buildup in the airways and restrict airflow.
However, a 2019 review notes that the association between dairy and asthma due to increased mucus production is a myth. Although dairy might make mucus thicker, it doesn’t increase the production of mucus or worsen asthma.
Lactose intolerance is a food sensitivity or intolerance to a sugar in milk called lactose. This happens when people don’t have enough of an enzyme called lactase to break down lactose.
Limited research has examined the effects of lactose intolerance on asthma symptoms, but lactose intolerance mainly causes digestive issues, such as:
- stomach cramps
- abdominal pain
- bloating and gassiness
- diarrhea
Asthma and Lung UK suggest that respiratory symptoms may be possible if you have asthma and a food intolerance, but more research is needed to understand the possible link.
Treatment for asthma and allergy symptoms both include avoiding the allergen or asthma trigger completely. This means avoiding dairy products if you have a milk allergy.
If you experience a mild allergic reaction to milk, a doctor
If you have asthma, treatment will aim to help manage or prevent your symptoms. Some treatments
- Bronchodilators: These open up the airways to prevent or treat an asthma attack.
- Steroids: These medications help balance the immune system and prevent asthma symptoms.
- Biologics: These may be used in severe asthma cases to target specific inflammatory antibodies.
A healthcare professional could help develop the best treatment plan for you.
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Some research suggests that eating cheese may benefit people with asthma. However, limited research exists on how eating cheese affects asthma.
If you have a dairy allergy, it’s best to avoid eating cheese. Consuming dairy if you have an allergy can cause an allergic reaction, which can trigger asthma.
Eating ice cream with dairy may trigger asthma if you have a dairy allergy. Sometimes, consuming cold foods and drinks may trigger a cough in people with asthma, which may cause some inflammation in the lungs.
Asthma is a chronic condition that affects the respiratory system. Many people with asthma also have an allergy, and an allergic reaction may trigger asthma symptoms.
Consuming dairy products like cow’s milk, yogurt, and cheese cannot cause asthma. However, if you have a dairy allergy, consuming dairy may cause an allergic reaction, which can trigger asthma.
The best way to prevent an allergic reaction or asthma attack is to avoid triggers.
It’s important to speak with a healthcare professional if you have asthma or a dairy allergy. They could help develop the best treatment plan for you, which may include preventive and reactionary measures.