Potential problems of Asthma
Like everyone else, asthma patients need to consume a healthful, balanced diet, but this is sometimes difficult if allergies require eliminating entire food groups (for example, milk and other dairy products). A dietitian can recommend substitutes or supplements to ensure maintaining good nutrition. Asthma drugs can create nutritional problems. Long-term steroid use, for example, causes bone loss; vitamin D and calcium supplements may be needed to strengthen bones. Potassium deficiency is another potential problem; it can be prevented by eating ample citrus fruits, bananas, dried fruits, berries, beets, tomatoes, and green leafy vegetables. Epinephrine and other bronchodilator drugs can cause feelings of nervousness, which are exacerbated by caffeine, it may be advisable to switch to decaffeinated coffee.
