Can certain foods cause a full-blown asthma attack; not, however an ige-mediated reaction. mostly just shortness of breath that is asthma-like?

Unlikely: This would be unlikely unless there is some type of aspiration event. When there is aspiration of liquid food we have a reflex to shut off the upper airway. This usually results in difficulty breathing in, coughing, talking and respiratory distress. It would not last as long as a typical asthma attach. Acid reflux can give a sensation of shortness of breath