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The link between asthma attacks and fast food
As all asthmatics know, there are certain triggers that can set asthma symptoms off, and these can vary widely from person to person. But a new potential trigger of childhood asthma has been identified by an international study of diet and asthma in kids – and it’s high-fat fast foods such as burgers and fries.
After testing 1300 students, the International Study of Asthma and Allergies found that eating more than one hamburger a week doubles the risk of wheezing and asthma attacks in children.
The link between fast food and asthma
The study found that asthma sufferers who ate high-fat foods experienced inflammation in their airways shortly after eating. Fatty foods are already known to have an effect on the immune system but the link between this, the resulting inflammation and the appearance of asthma symptoms are new findings.
On top of the symptoms they were experiencing, the students in the study did not respond to treatments as well as those who ate a low-fat meal. Researchers are not clear why reliever medications were less effective after eating a high-fat meal but suggest that perhaps the fatty acids in the body in some way interfere with the medication.
As a result of this study, health experts suggest that one way of controlling asthma symptoms is by following a low-fat diet.
Obesity and asthma
While statistics clearly show that there is a link between increasing body mass index (BMI) and increased levels of asthma in both adults and children, research hasn’t yet identified the reason for the link. Experts suggest that obesity can make asthma worse by:
- Having more body fat, there is more pressure on the chest which restricts the movement of the lungs. This can cause the muscles around the lungs to contract more, causing more asthma symptoms.
- General inflammation in the body is worse in obese people, which makes asthma symptoms worse.
- Obesity can cause increased sleep problems such as reflux and sleep apnoea, both of which can make increase asthma symptoms.
What are the common triggers for asthma?
Asthma triggers can be wide ranging between sufferers but the most common triggers are:
- Allergens - Such as dust mites, aminal skin and saliva, pollen and moulds
- Infections - Such as viral or bacterial upper respiratory infections or sinusitis and bronchitis
- Physical factors - Such as cold air, rapid changes in temperature and exercise
- Irritants - Such as paint fumes, cigarette smoke, perfume and air pollution
- Food additives - Such as sulphites, salicylates and monosodium glutamate (MSG)
- Emotional factors - Such as stress, tiredness and emotional upheaval
- Medications - Such as beta blockers, aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications such a ipuprofen
Related asthma articles
- Understanding your asthma medication
- The link between eczema and asthma
- 8 tips to manage asthma the easy way
- Learn more about asthma
This article was written by Ella Walsh for Kidspot, Australia’s best family health resource.
Last revised: Tuesday, 30 November 2010
This article contains general information only and is not intended to replace advice from a qualified health professional.
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