Breathing issues, such as asthma, COPD, allergies, and chronic sinusitis, require medical attention and care, as they are often chronic issues that frequently cause problems. Doctors may prescribe medications like Arikayce medication or a Novavax vaccine to help with symptom management and protect from further, more life-threatening infections. However, symptom management may also come down to your diet and the foods you eat. Here are some trigger foods for breathing issues that you should be avoiding:

1. Processed meats

Processed meats are loaded with additives and preservatives to promote preservation, so food lasts longer on your shelf. However, these additives are linked to poor health and can increase your risk of developing COPD. It may be hard, but skip out on the bacon, ham, hot dogs, lunch meat, and other processed meats.

2. Carbonated drinks

Carbonated drinks, like soda, energy drinks, seltzer water, and more, can cause an increase of gas in your body. More gas results in bloating, which then causes unnecessary pressure being placed on the diaphragm, making it harder to breathe.

3. Eggs

Eggs, although packed with protein and essential nutrients, may be causing an increase in your mucus production. This is believed to be caused by a certain property in the eggs that triggers histamine production, in turn creating more mucus and making breathing more challenging.

4. Dairy products

Dairy has been found to have a negative on the respiratory system. Drinking milk, or ingesting other dairy products, increases mucus production and has even been linked to an increased risk of developing colds. Cheese, in particular, can cause histamine release, which increases inflammation of the airway.

5. Dried fruits and veggies

Fresh fruits and veggies can supply you with an immense amount of essential vitamins, nutrients, and antioxidants; however, the process of drying fruit diminishes many of these good components. Additionally, dried fruits are high in sulfites, which have a negative impact on the function of our lungs.

6. Vinegar

Foods with high vinegar contents, including pickled products, like pickles, pickled peppers, sauerkraut, etc., are high in sulfites. Sulfites worsen respiratory conditions and symptoms, so it’s important to avoid vinegary foods or at least try to consume minimal amounts.

7. Vegetable oil

Vegetable oils are packed with unhealthy fats that increase inflammation, something your lungs certainly don’t need when they’re likely already inflamed from your breathing condition. These oils, like sunflower oil, canola oil, corn oil, and grapeseed oil, can also increase mucus production and cause weight gain, making breathing difficult and putting more strain on your lungs.