The Relationship Between Asthma and Food Allergies in Children

Abstract

Asthma and food allergy are two complex allergic diseases with an increasing prevalence in childhood. They share risk factors, including atopic family history, atopic dermatitis, allergen sensitization, and T2 inflammatory pathways. Several studies have shown that in children with a food allergy, the risk of developing asthma, particularly in early childhood, is high. Food allergen intake or the inhalation of aerosolized allergens can induce respiratory symptoms such as bronchospasm. Patients with both conditions have an increased risk of severe asthma exacerbations, hospitalization, and mortality. The current management of clinical food hypersensitivity primarily involves the dietary avoidance of food allergens and the use of self-injectable adrenaline for severe reactions. Poorly controlled asthma limits the prescription of oral immunotherapy to foods, which has emerged as an alternative therapy for managing food allergies. Biological therapies that are effective in severe asthma have been explored for treating food allergies. Omalizumab improves asthma control and, either alone or in combination with oral immunotherapy, increases the threshold of allergen tolerance. Understanding the interplay between asthma and food allergy is crucial for developing successful treatment approaches and ameliorating patient results.