Links between food allergy and asthma

Food allergy and asthma are prevalent allergic diseases that affect individuals of all ages worldwide. Food allergy affects ∼8% of children and ∼10% of adults, whereas asthma affects ∼9% of children and ∼7% of adults. This review examines the relationship between allergic asthma and immunoglobulin E mediated food allergy, focusing on shared pathophysiology, risk factors, clinical manifestations, and therapeutic strategies. Both diseases are key steps of the atopic march and are rooted in allergen sensitization driven by T helper cell type 2 mediated inflammation. Coexistence of these conditions may worsen overall disease severity, acute outcomes from food-induced allergic reactions, and asthma exacerbations. Current management approaches for both food allergy and asthma include allergen avoidance, immunotherapy, and biologic agents. At present, omalizumab is the only biologic approved for the treatment of both food allergy and asthma, although ongoing studies are investigating its potential role in preventing the onset of these diseases. Elucidating the interconnected nature of food allergy and asthma is essential for optimizing diagnoses, guiding treatment decisions, and improving long-term outcomes, ultimately reducing the burden of allergic disease.