Asthma is a medical condition that causes swelling, inflammation and narrowing of airways. The airways secrete excess mucus that obstructs smooth breathing. Severe asthma attacks can cause death. Some of the common symptoms of the disease include wheezing, chest pain, difficulty breathing, and coughing. Different elements, such foods, cold weather, pesticides, and air pollution may activate asthma attacks.

Read on to learn the snacks and ingredients that may trigger symptoms of asthma:

1. Milk
Although milk snacks are rich in calcium, they can trigger asthma attacks. If you suffer from a dairy product allergy, avoiding meals containing milk can help reduce vulnerability to asthma attacks. Many people who suffer from dairy allergy from childhood can experience breathlessness, wheezing, and coughing upon consuming milk. Medical experts advise asthma patients to seek a substitute source of calcium and vitamin D upon confirming that the beverage triggers the symptoms of asthma.

2. Packaged potatoes
Potato snacks contain preservatives such as sodium sulfite that could trigger asthma symptoms. Instead of purchasing the packed potatoes, buy raw tubers and prepare them in the oven.

Every time you want to buy potato or other processed foods from a grocery store, check the ingredients to ensure they do not have preservatives and additives such as tartrazine and sulphates because they are common catalysts of asthma symptoms.

3. Eggs
Egg allergy affects many children. The American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) advises individuals at risk of egg allergy to check drug and food labels to ensure they do not have egg ingredients. You should also refrain from eating medium, raw, and undercooked eggs since they are more likely to activate asthma symptoms than when they are fully cooked.

4. Maraschino cherries
These cherries are packed in transparent glass jars. Although the cherries seem fresh and nutritious, they contain sulfites that are predominantly used to increase the shelf life of products such as fruit juices and canned fruits. Various scientific studies have concluded that preservatives are a primary cause of asthma attacks.

5. Soya snacks
Soya is a common ingredient in fermented foods and pre-packed soups. In the Western World, milk is the leading cause of allergies while soya takes the second position. You should refrain from snacks containing soya, such as soya sauce, if you are allergic to the product because it can trigger asthma symptoms.

6. Wheat
The globulin and albumin amino acids are the most common causes of wheat allergy. Once you eat snacks containing wheat, the digestive system absorbs these amino acids and transports them through the blood to the lungs. The immune system in the lungs synthesizes immunoglobulin E antibodies to combat the amino acids ingredients, thereby, leading to an asthma attack. Refraining from wheat snacks can help avoid asthmatic symptoms.

Overall, pre-packed snacks induce asthma attacks because they contain preservatives that activate excess production of mucus in the lungs, which cause wheezing and breathing difficulties. Knowing the food contents that activate allergic response in your body is important since you can avoid purchasing snacks containing the ingredients. The main foods to avoid include:

• Fizzy drinks
• Canned meals
• Processed meats
• Fruit juices
• Fermented sauces