Allergic asthma and rhinitis are together with atopic eczema the most prominent atopic diseases which can have a severe impact on quality of life. The role of food as a therapeutic measure is gaining importance. Several studies show that certain diet factors can decrease the degree of allergy and inflammation, both in animals and humans. Furthermore, the maternal diet can possibly influence allergy and asthma in the offspring. Lastly, reducing the body mass index alone is enough to diminish asthma symptoms. In the clinic however, this subject does not always get attention.

Another problem is that although many patients with the aforementioned atopic diseases would like to optimize their diet in order to diminish allergic symptoms and inflammation, they are unable to to so since they also suffer from food allergy. This can be IgE mediated but eosinophilic esophagitis and other eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorders can also influence the possibilities of maintaining an optimal diet. Furthermore, it can have a major impact on mental well-being and social life.

In this special issue we address the influence of diet on asthma and allergic inflammation and the approach of the patient with asthma and IgE mediated food allergies, eosinophilic esophagitis or both.

Keywords: Asthma, IgE mediated food allergy, eosinophilic esophagitis, quality of life, inflammation, diet