Iran (IMNA) - In an interview with IMNA, Touba Momen, MD, a specialist in allergy and clinical immunology explained that if a person's allergy tests show sensitivity to animals, the most effective solution is to keep the animal away — ideally removing it from the home entirely.
"Animal fur and bird feathers become airborne and can linger in the home environment for long periods," Dr. Momen said. "Even after the animal is gone, it takes considerable time for these allergens to clear."
When removing the animal is not an option, she noted, regular bathing of the pet may help. In some cases, allergen immunotherapy (allergy shots) is also recommended.
"Generally speaking," she added, "most respiratory diseases, asthma, and allergies are caused by inhaled allergens such as pollen, animal dander, and cigarette smoke."
The Role of Diet in Allergy Management
While acknowledging that asthma treatment and prevention primarily target airborne triggers, Dr. Momen emphasized that nutrition can play a supportive role. She does not recommend that patients with asthma or allergic rhinitis avoid specific foods as a blanket rule — but in certain cases, diet does matter.
Obesity Can Drive Lung Inflammation
Some research suggests that certain foods may help reduce lung inflammation through their antioxidant content, she said. Fruits and vegetables — rich in vitamins C and E — can be beneficial due to their antioxidant effects.
Omega-3 fatty acids, found in foods like salmon and flaxseed, may also help lower inflammatory damage in the lungs. Magnesium, fiber, whole grains, and legumes can be supportive as well.
On the other hand, some foods can worsen inflammation. Certain preservatives and artificial colors may trigger or intensify asthma symptoms.
Cross-Reactivity Between Pollen and Food
Dr. Momen also pointed to a phenomenon known as cross-reactivity. For example, people who are allergic to tree pollen in the spring may experience oral allergy symptoms — such as itching or swelling of the tongue — after eating certain fruits like apples or kiwi during the same season.
"In these cases, the patient has a seasonal allergy, and because the same or similar allergen is present in certain fruits and vegetables that season, the immune system reacts to the food as well," she explained.
Weight Management Matters
Obesity itself can promote inflammation in the lungs, Dr. Momen noted, and weight loss can be helpful for affected patients.
She concluded that, in general, patients with respiratory allergies or asthma are not advised to broadly eliminate food groups from their diet. Instead, decisions are made on a case-by-case basis. If a specific food is found to worsen symptoms, avoiding that particular item may be recommended.
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