Asthma is a chronic lung condition that inflames and narrows the airways. Symptoms include shortness of breath, chest tightness, coughing, and wheezing. Asthma can be triggered by environmental factors such as smoke or pollution or by allergies to things like pollen or pet dander. Treatment typically involves avoiding asthma triggers, using inhaled and daily oral asthma medications to control symptoms, and often avoiding certain foods that can exacerbate symptoms:

1. Cold cuts
There are a few different types of cold cuts, and they all have unique ingredients. But there is some commonality among them: they’re all high in sodium and nitrates. And for people with asthma, that can be a problem. Sodium is known to trigger bronchospasms, which narrow the airways and make it difficult to breathe. On the other hand, nitrates can interact with compounds in your body to produce harmful chemicals called nitrosamines. These have been linked to an increased risk of cancer.

2. Carbonated beverages
Carbonated beverages are often carbonic acid, an irritant to the respiratory system. They contain many sugar and other ingredients that can trigger an asthma attack. The bubbles in these drinks can also cause inflammation in the lungs and make it difficult to breathe. If you have asthma, it is best to avoid these beverages altogether.

3. Acidic foods and drinks
Acidic foods and drinks can trigger an asthma attack by irritating the airways. It can cause the muscles around the airways to tighten, making breathing difficult. In severe cases, an asthma attack can be life-threatening. The worst offenders include citrus fruits, tomatoes, pickles, vinegar, coffee, and soda. If you have asthma, it’s best to avoid these foods and drinks altogether.

4. Dairy products
These products are one of the most common triggers for asthma attacks. It is because they contain a protein called casein, which can cause an inflammatory response in the airways. Casein is found in all these products, including milk, cheese, and yogurt. There are a few ways that you can avoid these products if you have asthma. One option is to use plant-based milk, such as almond or soy milk. You can also look for dairy-free cheese and yogurt alternatives from coconut or cashew milk. If you consume dairy products, make sure to do so in small amounts and choose items that are low in casein content.

5. Salty foods
Salty foods can trigger an asthma attack and make it difficult to breathe. If you have asthma, it’s vital to avoid these foods as much as possible. There are a few reasons why salt is so bad for people with asthma:

Salt can trigger an inflammatory response in the body. It can lead to swelling in the airways, making breathing difficult.
Salt can increase mucus production. Mucus is already a problem for people with asthma; too much mucus can make breathing even harder.
Salt can dehydrate the body. It is a problem because dehydration can cause respiratory issues and make breathing even more challenging.

The best way to avoid these worst foods for asthma is by keeping a food journal to see what aggravates your symptoms. Also, talk to your doctor about medications, therapies, and products (e.g., a quiet pure air filter for asthma in your home) to help manage symptoms.