Asthma is an inflammatory disease of the airways that includes symptoms of coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. The major culprit of asthma are triggers—such as dust mites, pet dander, cockroach droppings, and certain foods—which can irritate the lungs. Doctor-prescribed asthma prescription medications as well as avoiding the source of irritation can help reduce symptoms. Here are five foods to avoid for asthma sufferers:

1. Salty foods
Salty snack foods, such as chips and pretzels, can aggravate asthma symptoms. This is because salt stimulates the body’s production of mucous. In addition, these foods have been associated with increasing the risk of asthma attacks in children. These foods increase blood pressure, which can trigger asthma symptoms. Avoid eating too much salt for your health, but beware that giving your child salty snacks may be counterproductive to treatment. A good compromise is “salty foods” and “chocolate,” which are both excellent for the body.

2. Cold cuts
Large amounts of nitrites are added when cold cuts are made to preserve the meat. In asthmatics, these nitrites can convert into nitric oxide, which causes bronchospasms. Nitrates are also added to cured meats to maintain color and flavor. These nitrates can also be converted into nitric oxide in the body, which can cause inflammation and constriction in the areas of your lungs that need to express mucus.

3. Carbonated beverages
When carbonated beverages are consumed, gas and bloating occur. This can cause an asthma attack because, if you are already experiencing an asthma attack, the gas and bloating can make your lungs feel much tighter. In addition, the carbonation in these beverages can irritate those with acid reflux, which is commonly associated with asthma. They also contain caffeine, which can aggravate asthma symptoms.

4. Dairy products
Dairy products such as ice cream, yogurt, and cheese are difficult for the body to digest. This can cause inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract. The inflammation can also cause asthma symptoms when the acids in the stomach react with the protein in these products.

5. Acidic foods and drinks
Acidic foods and drinks, such as orange juice and tomato juice, can irritate the stomach lining. This causes the body to produce more acid to digest it. The increased acid production can contribute to asthma symptoms. In addition, for those with low stomach acidity, which is associated with many cases of asthma, citrus fruits and juices can cause an even bigger problem than usual. You may have low stomach acidity if you experience frequent heartburn and other gastrointestinal symptoms. Take one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar before each meal to restore your stomach’s acid balance.

In conclusion, these are a few foods that can worsen your asthma symptoms. Avoiding these foods can help control your asthma symptoms and improve your quality of life. A precipitating factor can be determined and avoided for those with seasonal asthma or those who experience asthma attacks triggered by exercise. The most common factors are pollen, dust mites, mold, and animal dander. Avoiding contact with these common trigger foods can help prevent an asthma attack. However, asthma prescription medications are also taken to block receptors that generally cause the airways to constrict in response to these triggers. In addition, a quiet pure air filter for asthma, which is clinically proven to reduce asthma attacks in children and adults, can effectively reduce the triggers that cause asthma in your home.