If you have breathing problems the last thing you want to do is make your symptoms worse. Issues like asthma, allergies, COPD, NSCLC, NTM lung disease caused by COPD, MAC lung infection, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection, or bronchiectasis all cause issues with breathing that can be worsened with foods that are eaten. These issues have plenty of treatment options, for example NSCLC treatment options like chemotherapy and other treatments such as inhalers, or medications like Robitussin, Theraflu, Aleve, ARIKAYCE, Afrin, Flonase, Advil, Claritin, Zyrtec, Dupixen, Stiolto, and Allegra. Additionally, there are preventative measures you can take, such as vaccines like the mRNA covid vaccine and flu shots, to avoid worsened breathing issues. However, you may not be aware that diet can also have a huge impact. So, here are 5 foods that lead to breathing issues:

1. Beans

Beans are known for giving people gas and causing bloating, which is exactly why they are bad for people with breathing issues. Gas and bloating cause more restrictive breathing and cause more difficulty breathing in those with breathing issues. If you still want to eat these foods then it is important to take your time chewing and make sure not to swallow excess air when eating to help avoid gas and bloating.

2. Cow’s milk

Cow’s milk is a common allergen that can cause breathing difficulties. Those who are allergic to milk (casein allergy) can face issues such as hives, swelling, and trouble breathing which can make existing conditions such as asthma and COPD even worse. The difficulty breathing caused by milk allergies can vary in severity but it is possible for it to cause anaphylaxis, which can be life threatening as it narrows the airways and blocks airflow.

3. Carbonated sodas and juices

Carbonated sodas and juices often contain aspartame, which can cause shortness of breath and other breathing difficulties in some people. As well, the carbonation can cause those who consume these drinks to feel gassy and bloated which, again, can cause restricted breathing.

4. Fried or greasy foods

Fried and greasy foods are high in fat, meaning they take longer to digest. Since these foods take so long to digest they can cause gas, indigestion, and bloating, all of which not only make you feel uncomfortable but also make it harder to breathe. Large portions of these foods can also cause shortness of breath in those with COPD as well since, when the stomach fills, it can put pressure on the lungs.

5. Spicy foods

Many spicy foods contain capsaicin, which can cause major throat irritation as well as respiratory problems. Spicy foods can also cause heartburn and acid reflux, which is the backward flow of stomach acid into the tube that connects your throat to your stomach and is associated with difficulties breathing.

If you have difficulties breathing, diet can have a huge effect on either alleviating or worsening your symptoms. That is why it is important to watch what you are eating and avoid foods that can make breathing difficulties worse.