With the arrival of winter season, people in Karachi are rushing towards food stalls to enjoy hot chicken corn soup, stock locally called yakhni and crab soup along with seafood.

While crab soup and seafood are considered a delicacy in the winter season, asthma patients are usually advised to drink the soup for treatment.

Asthma is a chronic lung disease caused by inflammation and muscle tightening around the airways which makes it harder to breathe.

It is pertinent to mention that most of the seafood is Selenium-rich which helps in the healthy functioning of your body, including your metabolism, immune system, and thyroid function.

A Selenium deficiency can damage the thyroid and result in a weakened immune system.

So most seafood including crab can be used to relieve Asthma conditions, however, it can also worsen the condition of the Asthma patients if they are allergic to seafood.

It is pertinent to mention that asthma is more likely in people who have other allergic conditions, such as eczema and hay fever while others may likely be allergic to milk, eggs and seafood including crab.

In such cases, instead of giving relief to the patients, the crab soup will further deteriorate their medical condition.

It is then necessary to first go through tests and examinations to see if the patient is allergic to crab; if yes, then they can opt for fish or other food items that are Selenium-rich.

Many people do not want to eat crab or drink its soup due their religious beliefs. It is important they first consult with a religious leader before consuming the delicacy as well.