We live in the 21st century and still cannot predict asthma attacks or its causes. However, we do know that it is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways that inflames when it comes in contact with certain elements. Apart from environmental factors like inhaling allergens, food plays an important role in inducing asthma. If you are a patient of this condition or know someone who is, read on to know the top foods that trigger asthma.

Wheat
Acids in wheat grain such as albumin and globulin can cause serious symptoms associated with asthma. When these elements enter the digestive system, the body mistakes it for antibodies and attacks it rigorously. This causes serious wheezing or coughing triggering an attack.

Milk and Eggs
Lactose intolerance and allergy to eggs or milk are common in people. Most of the time symptoms are triggered by raw, uncooked, or medium eggs. If you even have a slight egg or milk allergy, it may cause an asthma attack instead of hives.

Salt
Lessening or completely avoiding salt will reduce the chances of an asthma attack. Salt retains fluids, which causes inflammation in the throat and narrows the airway making it difficult to breathe.

Dried fruits
Dried fruits may be healthy, but most of them contain preservatives called sulfites to increase the shelf life of the product. These additional preservatives, especially the use of potassium bisulfite and sodium sulfate may cause asthma.

Wine and beer
Many kinds of beers and wines use sulfites for fermentation. Hence, it’s best to avoid that extra tall glass of beer if you find yourself coughing or wheezing. Certain studies also suggest that histamines in wine cause watery eyes, sneezing, and dryness in the airway pipe.

Shrimp
Once again it’s the sulfites! Frozen shrimp or other uncooked seafood could be extremely risky for an asthma patient because sulfite blocks the growth of unappetizing black spots. It’s best to remain cautious when eating at a restaurant so that you don’t incidentally eat something made in shrimp or shellfish broth.

Mushroom and cheese
If you are allergic to mildew or molds and suffer from asthma, mushroom and cheese may instigate an attack. If you have these sensitivities, consider avoiding these two things.

Pickles
Think before ordering that deli sandwich as pickled foods may comprise sulfites (once again!) as do fermented foods like sauerkraut. Look out for horseradishes or even salad dressing mixes for the same reason. All these foods can trigger asthma attacks.

Canned food
The next time you pick up a can of beans, packaged potatoes, or bottled fruit juices make sure to read the ingredients. It’s best to avoid anything that contains preservatives as it could trigger bronchospasms or symptoms of asthma.