Asthma is a disorder that affects the respiratory tract. The airways get inflamed and breathing becomes difficult. The inflammation could be caused by one of many factors including allergens, smoke, pollution, diet, and genetics. With the prevalence of asthma increasing exponentially, more so in children, continuous effort is being made to identify all those triggers that can cause it.

Apart from external factors, there is evidence to show that a child’s diet directly impacts and triggers asthma. What we eat or what we don’t can trigger, prevent, or improve symptoms of asthma. Poor nutrition during pregnancy resulting in low birth weight increases the risk of respiratory diseases like asthma, airway obstruction, and lung functioning. If the pregnant mother has been consuming foods that trigger allergies, the child too faces a risk of asthma and wheezing.

Here are some tips to help manage asthma symptoms in children:

1. Breastfeeding and asthma development

Breastfeeding is an important source of nourishment for the first six months for a child. It is largely responsible for a baby’s well-being. Studies have shown that breastfeeding reduces the risk of many chronic ailments including asthma.

2. Vitamin E

Vitamin E deficiency also puts children at higher risk. Children who are sensitive to allergens in food are more likely to develop asthma. With so many triggers for asthma, and since it is a chronic ailment, a child’s diet needs to be carefully planned. The focus of a diet plan should be to prevent a fresh attack and improve existing symptoms, thereby empowering the child’s quality of life. Difficulty in breathing can be a restriction on a child’s active lifestyle.

3. Side effects of asthma medication

Though inhalers and medication bring relief, they also lead to side effects. The child is likely to be affected by chronic side effects. Hence, the emphasis on a diet that not only prevents but also improves health and immunity, thus reducing flare-ups of asthma attacks in children.

4. Diet and asthma

Childhood obesity resulting from unhealthy eating habits have a higher risk for asthma as they are at higher risk for airway obstruction. Obese kids have abnormal eating habits and indulge in unhealthy and junk food containing trans-fats. They often consume processed and packaged foods, which have a high amount of food additives and food preservatives. Such kids face a high risk of asthma. Hence, a change in diet for children suffering from asthma has to be brought about with consultation with their doctor and nutritionist. One should also keep in mind a behavioral shift in a child while introducing changes in the diet. Remember that the diet should be

• Rich in antioxidants – fruits, vegetables, whole grains
• Rich in Omega-3 Fatty acids – Fatty fish, nuts (these can be avoided if your child has allergies)
• Rich in Vitamin E and Vitamin D
• Balanced and contains, vitamins, minerals, and carbohydrates
• Low on sugar and artificial sweeteners, synthetic coloring, food additives, and saturated and trans fats