This must be done under strict medical supervision. It is important to identify the foods or food chemicals that may cause problems for you. Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) also has a list of food additives and their numbers on their website. If you are looking for more information, you could check the Official Shopper’s Guide to Food Additives and Labels, which is available through libraries, major bookshops, supermarkets and newsagencies. Some food additive numbers to remember include: Around five to 10 per cent of people with asthma are sensitive to salicylates. Other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may also trigger dangerous attacks in people who are sensitive to aspirin. The drug aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) is also a salicylate. salicylates – naturally occurring salicylates are also present in many foods, including instant coffee, soy sauce, tomato paste and sauce, beer and honey.Hydrolysed vegetable protein is sometimes added to foods in place of MSG, and may trigger asthma in people who are sensitive to MSG Foods that contain high concentrations of MSG include stock cubes, gravy, soy sauce and packet soups. monosodium glutamate (MSG) – this is a naturally occurring chemical, frequently used as an additive to enhance flavour, particularly in savoury snack foods.Generally, if a person with asthma reacts to one food colouring, they should make sure to avoid eating any food colourings Food colourings very rarely trigger asthma attacks.
food colourings – such as the yellow food dye tartrazine.Common sources include wine, fruit juices, canned fish and dried fruit These additives are often used in processed foods as preservatives. sulphites – such as sulphur dioxide and sodium metabisulphite.Some of the food chemicals that are known to trigger asthma in susceptible people include: Intolerance to food chemicals is dose-related, which means the symptoms get worse as more of the chemical is ingested. Some of the foods that may cause an allergic reaction in susceptible people include: Some of the symptoms of anaphylaxis include: The onset of symptoms can occur immediately (within two minutes to two hours) or steadily get worse over time. A life-saving injection of adrenaline, administered through an auto-injector (also known as an epi-pen), is required to treat anaphylaxis to prevent permanent injury or death. itching, burning and swelling around the face and mouth.Īnaphylaxis is potentially life threateningĪn anaphylactic reaction, or anaphylaxis, is an extreme allergic reaction that can be life threatening without prompt medical treatment.Symptoms of food allergiesĪn allergic reaction to food may be mild, moderate or severe.
A severe food allergy reaction is known as anaphylaxi and can be life-threatening. Being exposed to an allergen may cause irritation or swelling in areas of the body such as the nose, eyes, lungs, air passages and skin. These substances are also known as allergens. They rarely trigger asthma by themselves, but can trigger asthma either as part of a food allergy or an intolerance reaction.Īn allergy is when the body’s immune system overreacts to a substance that is normally harmless to most people.
Foods, food additives and chemicals are not common triggers for asthma.