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Asthma Myths and Facts – Cow’s Milk and Allergy in Children

  • There are many myths associated with asthma and these hamper proper care for the children afflicted with the disease.
  • The common childhood asthma myths need to be understood, so that the condition is properly managed by the caregivers of children suffering from asthma.

Childhood asthma is very distressing for the parents as well as the suffering kid.

You can be more confident in making your child cope with the disease after being aware of the facts about asthma, and after understanding the condition better.

  • For a long time, it has been suggested that milk can exasperate the symptoms of asthma. Numerous studies have investigated the link between asthma and milk intake, however no scientific evidence exists to support this myth.
  • Unfortunately, some asthmatics are advised to avoid dairy which not only provides no benefit to their asthma symptoms, but may lead to poor intake of important nutrients such as calcium for which milk and dairy are sources in the diet.

People with asthma should NOT avoid milk or dairy products!

MYTH 1
Cow’s milk cause allergy in children.

FACT 1

  • Only 1% to 3% of children have an allergy to cow’s milk, therefore, it’s not that common condition.
  • Cow’s milk protein allergy  usually subsides at the age of 3-5 years old.
  • When it occur, it’s the immune system reacting to proteins in the milk.
  • The primary cause of food allergies is your family genetics.
  • Limiting  dairy in your diet can have significant health and nutrition effects, particularly in children
  • Please  talk to your doctor first if you have any concerns about food reactions.

 

MYTH 2
Milk causes mucus production

FACT 2

  • The idea of milk causing mucus and aggravating colds and asthma is one of the more durable myths. But there is no conclusive evidence to support this belief.
  • Some children may experience a thin, temporary coating over the mouth and throat after drinking milk.
  • This is often mistaken for mucus but is simply milk’s natural creamy texture. This is not harmful and the sensation lasts for only a short period of time.
  • Too much mucus is can be caused by infections
  • cow’s milk and other dairy foods very rarely trigger asthma symptoms in children without milk allergy.

 

MYTH 3
Milk causes asthma.

FACT 3

  • There is no evidence that dairy products can cause asthma. 
  •  A person with a milk allergy may be at risk develop ing asthma but there is no cause and effect relationship between the two. 
  • Note: an allergic reaction to milk may trigger wheezing, especially in infants.

 

Last Reviewed : 24 November 2014
Writer : Dr. Noor Hafiza bt Noordin
Accreditor : Dr. Mariana bt. Daud

 

 

 

 

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