Asthma can literally take your breath away. This condition results often when the body is hypersensitive to certain elements like food, dander, pollen, dust mites, weather, and even exercise. The result of exposure to these elements triggers an asthma attack, or the narrowing of the airways. This constriction leads to over production of mucus that leads to wheezing and/ or paroxysm of coughing that just won’t stop, which makes breathing very difficult.

Each asthmatic patient is different because their asthma flare-ups are caused by various triggers that the immune system reacts to. Some are more sensitive to certain elements than others (i.e., temperature, foods, etc.). In general, there are often certain foods that can trigger an asthma attack, so it is best to avoid them. Also, always be sure to have your asthma inhaler nearby to relieve any issues from sudden exposure. Consider avoiding the following food items below:

1. Eggs

Eggs are one of the well-known allergies causing foods, especially in children. The protein in the eggs are touted for triggering an allergic reaction, which can lead to skin hives or asthma. In fact, eggs are considered so potent that you are advised to delay giving these to babies less than 12 months old.

2. Cow’s milk

This calcium rich drink is also known for flaring-up asthma and promoting the production of mucus. The primary culprit is the antibiotics used in raising cows. This is somehow passed on to their milk supply, which you could end up ingesting and reacting to.

3. Peanuts and tree nuts

This is one of the most dangerous allergies because it can cause anaphylaxis in many allergic patients. This is a severe constriction of the airways, which can happen in a matter of seconds. This cuts of the air supply in the body leading to death. Those of you who have a peanut allergy must avoid this at all possible cost because your body is highly sensitive to the protein in peanuts. This spells the difference between a Food allergy vs. food intolerance . An allergy can kill you, thus, be sure to read the label of any product you put in your mouth to ensure that it was manufactured in a nut-free facility.

4. Soy

Some of you may be severely allergic to soy wherein your body identifies its proteins as harmful, thereby, triggering the production of IgE or immunoglobulin antibodies. Taking in soy can lead to upset stomach, vomiting, loose bowel movements, skin reactions, and difficulty in breathing.

5. Wheat

Exposure to wheat can be a nightmare if you have this allergy, as the wheat protein overstimulates your immune system. There are four different types of wheat proteins, namely: globulin, gliadin, albumin, and gluten. This is often confused with Celiac’s disease, a sensitivity to gluten only, which produces a different set of reactions. Having a wheat allergy is difficult as it is found in many ordinary foods you won’t suspect such as ice cream, hotdogs, and soy sauce.

6. Shrimp and other shellfish

Eating these means you are exposing your immune system to a protein often found in shellfish muscles called tropomyosin. If allergic, this may trigger the body to release histamines to attack it. This can lead to a broad range of symptoms from mile to life-threatening such as runny nose, swollen eyes, hives, wheezing, and/or anaphylaxis. Avoid shrimp, lobster, crabs, squid, oysters, scallops, and others who belong to the same family.

7. Food preservatives

It is best to avoid processed foods when you have asthma. Food preservatives are known to trigger an asthma attack in allergic patients, especially sulfite additives. Be sure to read the food product labels and look for these possible culprits: potassium bisulfite, sodium bisulfite, sodium metabisulfite, potassium metabisulfite, and sodium sulfite. These are the ingredients that are commonly utilized when companies process food.