Asthma is a condition in which the airways swell and become inflamed which produces too much mucus and constricts the airways. Asthma can range from being mild in symptoms to life threatening. Symptoms of having asthma are difficulty breathing, wheezing, anxiety, chest pressure, cough and chest pain. Asthma is usually treated with a rescue inhaler, controller inhaler or oral steroids. 

There are several different types of asthma including allergic asthma, exercise-induced asthma, cough variant asthma and occupational asthma. It is important to avoid certain foods and to follow an asthma diet to reduce the risk of having asthma attacks:

1. Eggs

Eggs may not be the best food to eat for people with asthma. Many people are allergic to eggs and suffer from an allergic reaction when eggs are consumed. If someone who is allergic to eggs and has asthma were to consume eggs they could have a severe asthma attack.

2. Salt

People with asthma should either reduce the amount of salt they use in their diet or should avoid salt altogether. Asthma causes the throat to be inflamed making it hard to breathe. Salt can cause the same symptoms and can trigger an asthma attack.

3. Shrimp

Many people are allergic to shrimp. Asthma and allergies go hand in hand so it’s best for people who suffer from asthma to avoid shrimp altogether.

4. Peanuts

Eating peanuts can be very harmful to people with asthma. Peanuts are known to have caused fatal allergic reactions in some people while causing allergic asthma symptoms in others. Studies have shown that people with asthma who are allergic to peanuts are likely to need steroids and are more than likely allergic to cats, weeds, grass and dust mites. All of these allergens are triggers for an asthma attack.

5. Shellfish

Shellfish allergies are one of the most well known allergies of all. People with asthma should avoid all shellfish, including crab, crayfish, shrimp and lobster. Shellfish allergies will usually stay with a person for the rest of their life.

6. Wine

Wine has been proven to trigger asthma attacks. Wine contains sulfites which is a preservative and may be what triggers asthma attacks. Sulfites can also be found in shrimp and dried fruit.

7. Cow’s milk

Because so many people are allergic to milk it’s best for people with asthma to avoid milk altogether. Milk allergies can definitely trigger an asthma attack resulting in coughing, wheezing and even worse symptoms.

8. Wheat

Albumin and globulin are amino acids that are found in wheat and they cause allergies. When they enter the body through the lungs the immune system begins making antibodies. These antibodies cause symptoms of an asthma attack.

9. Soy

Soy is a very common allergy right after milk. Soy is in many processed foods. It’s best for those with asthma to avoid soy products.