Dietary pattern in brochial asthma control

Abstract

Background: Asthma is a noncurable but preventable disease, responsible for higher morbidity worldwide. Approximately, in every fifth asthmatic patient, the possible role of food allergy should be taken into account. Materials and Methods: This was a descriptive study of dietary pattern in asthma control in 1 year, between 2021 and 2022 with 100 asthma and 100 healthy controls. Asthma was diagnosed as per Global Initiative for Asthma 2021. The control group had no respiratory ailments in their entire life span. Diabetes and hypertension were excluded from the study. Dietary habits were documented in both groups in a food diary, and five parameters were given thrust in order to simplify the study. Results: There is a positive correlation between consumption of fast food, packed chips, carbonated drinks and worsening of asthma in 36 patients. Low consumption of cereals has a positive correlation with asthma severity in 38 patients and greater than three times a week sugar intake associated with poor asthma control which is found in 26 patients. Conclusion: The correlation between asthma and the consumption of fast food, salted snacks, fried snacks, fats and oils nuts, dry fruits, and carbonated drinks has been observed in India. Consequently, it becomes crucial to lower the intake of these items and enhance public awareness regarding the impact of fast food on asthma through the implementation of effective public health policies.