Food Allergies + Asthma = Lung Function Concern

If you have food allergies and asthma, you are more likely to have a life-threatening reaction to certain foods. When you have asthma, the airways in your lungs are swollen. This swelling blocks airflow in the lungs. Blocked airflow means you are not getting enough air and cannot breathe well. If you have an allergic reaction to a food when your airways are swollen, you have a greater risk of having a fatal reaction. 

There are several ways to reduce your risk of having a life-threatening reaction.

• Avoid foods to which you are allergic
• Keep your asthma under control
• Avoid asthma triggers
• Take your control medications regularly - these are usually inhaled steroids
• Use your rescue inhaler when needed
• See your allergist regularly
• Have regular lung function testing (spirometry)

Lung Function Testing (Spirometry)

Spirometry is a simple test that measures how much (volume) and how fast (flow) you can move air into and out of your lungs. This test tells your doctor how healthy your lungs are, and it can also help find lung damage before it is untreatable. Spirometry can help your doctor decide why you have difficulty breathing, a nagging cough or get many breathing-related infections. These can be symptoms of lung disease, so don’t ignore them, call about a spirometry test today. 

When to Have Spirometry

Lung experts at National Jewish recommend that all adults have spirometry testing during their routine physical exam.  Spirometry is also recommended for current and former smokers and people who have been exposed to chemicals or irritants at work or home.

Receive a free spirometry test at one of our events in the Denver area.

What Do Your Spirometry Results Mean?

The technician performing your spirometry test will tell you if your results are normal or abnormal.  If you have abnormal results, you need to talk with your doctor.   Your doctor may order more tests to find why your lungs are not functioning properly.