Asthma attacks happen when the airways are inflamed and when certain triggers cause it to swell which then results to a narrow passage, making it difficult to breathe. The most common symptoms of asthma include wheezing, coughing and shortness or tightness of breathe.
Usually, asthma is triggered by certain factors, among which include respiratory infections, allergens, exercise, environmental irritants, changes in weather, certain medications, or family history of asthma or allergies. But according to the International Food Information Council Foundation website, it has been found that some foods help trigger the onset of an asthma attack.
Although food-triggered asthma is highly unusual, certain foods or ingredients may cause or aggravate symptoms of asthma. People who have food allergies may not always have asthma. Some examples of food allergens that can trigger an asthma attack include milk, cereals, cider, eggs, nuts, soy, wheat, fish, bread, cheese, shellfish and even sulfiting agents such as sulphur dioxide.
Sulfiting agents are commonly found in processed foods. You can find out whether it was used as a preservative agent in the label. Examples include dried fruits or vegetables, potatoes, wine, beer, shrimp and pickled foods. Food dyes or colourings (E 102, #104 and E110), food drug preservative, MSG, aspartame, and other food preservatives (found in softdrinks, gums, and fish roe) are also suspected of triggering asthma attacks. Other foods include dairy products, salad dressings, sauces, wines, dried fruits, and so on.
The best way to remedy an asthma attack is to avoid any of the foods that trigger it. Read food labels. Check for any of the following: sulphites, tartrazine, food colourings and monosodium glutamate (MSG). Although there are relatively a few people who have food-triggered asthma, it is best to be aware of certain foods that you have an allergic reaction to. Keep in mind that although you may not have asthma, food allergies can help trigger it. The most common foods that can cause allergic reactions include peanuts and seafood.
As soon as you are aware of any food/s that trigger your asthma, avoid it all times. Inform your household of these foods as to avoid preparing foods using such ingredients. Learn how to devise a diet plan which will not make use of asthma-triggering ingredients. Consult your doctor or nutritionist for tips.