Common Foods That Trigger Asthma Symptoms
There is no magic diet that can make asthma go away. But you can learn how to avoid common foods that trigger asthma. Asthma is essentially a chronic lung disorder that is caused because of the inflammation of the airways. The symptoms of asthma and its causes can vary from one patient to another. But you need to remember that whenever your airways come in touch with any trigger, they can get inflamed and constricted because of mucus accumulation.
Ten tips on how to avoid common foods that trigger asthma:
- Dried fruits
These often contain sulfites or preservatives included for extending their shelf life. Sulfites are known to be one of the most problematic additives that can make symptoms of asthma worse. So, when buying these foods, be sure to check for their ingredient labels. Look for “sodium sulfite” or “potassium bisulfite.” - Wine/Beer
Many types of wine and beer contain these must-avoid sulfites, and you should ideally stay away from these when you find yourself wheezing right after taking a few sips. Studies have also shown that histamines present in wine can also trigger symptoms like wheezing, watery eyes, and sneezing. - Eggs
Strange as it may sound, eggs that are recommended for the overall good health can be dangerous for asthma patients as many have egg allergies. To avoid common foods that trigger asthma, you have to remember that anyone with an egg allergy can also be prone to asthmatic reactions. - Shrimp
This food, whether cooked or frozen, can be dangerous for someone with asthma because they contain sulfites also. All frozen seafood like shrimp contain these preservatives, so keep this in mind whenever you dine out. - Pickles
As expected, pickles will contain additives to extend their shelf life and, therefore, are best avoided when you have asthma. So, be careful of horseradish sauce, salad dressings, and pickled foods when you eat out. - Peanuts
These are known to cause fatal reactions in certain people while they may trigger asthmatic reactions in some others. This is especially true for those who have peanut allergies. Such children tend to get asthma much faster than other kids without allergies. They may even need to be given steroids. - Prepared and packaged potatoes
When you wish to prepare mashed potatoes for dinner, you should stick to using fresh potatoes and boil these at home. It is best to avoid mashed potato mixes available in the supermarket as these contain vegetable oil, whey powder, salt, and preservatives like sodium bisulfite. - Maraschino cherries
These may be very appetizing to look at but can be lethal for people with asthma. Many bottled fruit drinks and canned fruits have preservatives capable of triggering asthma symptoms and bronchospasms. - Salt
Consumption of excess salt can trigger the symptoms of asthma because salt causes inflammation, and asthma is triggered due to airways inflammation. Excess salt intake usually happens when we eat out at restaurants or buy processed foods. - Shellfish
Shellfish allergies are very common in kids and even in grownups, so it is best to stay away from lobster, crabs, and crayfish. Besides, you should be on alert for foods that you may be allergic to, as most of these can trigger asthma attacks.