Food Allergies
Many people have food intolerances such as lactose intolerance, but these are not true allergies and rarely worsen asthma. Only about 2% of adults with asthma have true food allergies to milk, eggs, shellfish, peanuts, or other foods.
Preservative Sensitivities
Sulfites, which are used to keep food fresh and stop the growth of mold, can
trigger temporary asthma symptoms in a few people with asthma. Sulfites can
give off sulfur dioxide that can irritate the lungs. Sulfites are no longer
added to fresh fruits and vegetables in the U.S.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disorder (GERD)
Up to 70% of all people with asthma also have GERD (reflux of Stomach acid), which can make asthma more difficult to control. Sometimes, GERD doesn’t cause typical heartburn symptoms. If you have GERD, you may need to take medicine. Weight loss is often all that is necessary to eliminate GERD. You should also try eating smaller meals and cutting down on alcohol, caffeine, and any foods that you notice trigger GERD symptoms. Avoid eating just before bedtime.