Did you know that asthma attacks or symptoms of asthma could be caused by the food you eat? Believe it or not, there are some common foods that have been linked to asthma. Asthma is a condition that happens when your airway becomes swollen, making breathing difficult as the airway becomes narrow. Asthma may also result in the production of extra mucus in your air passage. It may cause you to cough, wheeze, have difficulty breathing and feel like your chest is tightening.

Here are six foods that may trigger asthma attacks:

1. ​Eggs For people who are allergic to eggs, consuming eggs may result in an asthma attack instead of hives. Eggs are a favorite breakfast food for many people. Eggs can be enjoyed in many ways such as fried, boiled, or scrambled. However, many people are allergic to eggs. Persons who are allergic to eggs usually have skin reactions in the form of hives when they come in contact with it. If you are allergic to eggs and have asthma, instead of getting skin reactions, you may have an asthma attack when exposed to eggs.

2. Cow’s milk Milk and other dairy products can cause coughing, breathlessness, and wheezing in people who are allergic to dairy products. Doctors often recommend adding milk to your diet because of its many health benefits. Milk contains Calcium and Vitamin D. However, cow’s milk and other dairy products may be bad for people with asthma. If you are lactose intolerant or allergic to milk, this may trigger asthma symptoms when exposed. It’s best to find milk alternatives.

3. Wheat Consuming wheat can result in difficulty breathing, coughing, nausea, and wheezing as wheat contains gluten that may trigger an asthmatic reaction. Some people have a wheat allergy and exposure to wheat can cause asthma symptoms. People with wheat allergies immune system responds abnormally to proteins in wheat. The immune system reacts and the body produces immunoglobulin E antibodies when wheat is consumed. However, these antibodies may cause asthma symptoms.

4. Shellfish People who are allergic to shellfish may experience wheezing and shortness of breath when exposed. Shellfish allergy is the third most popular allergic reaction in children; peanuts and milk are the top two. It is also possible for people to develop shellfish allergies during adulthood. Like many other allergic reactions, shellfish allergies can cause an asthma attack. Eating shellfish like shrimp, crab, lobster, and crayfish may put you at high risk for an asthma attack if you have shellfish allergies. Shrimp contains sulfites. Asthma sufferers are typically sensitive to this. It is best you avoid all dishes that contain these. There are other shellfish that cause fewer reactions. Scallops, clams, oysters, and mussels may be safer to eat but it’s best you consult your doctor first.

5. Soy Foods such as soy milk and soybeans may cause asthma symptoms. Other soy-based products such as tofu and soybean oil may also trigger an asthma attack. It’s best to avoid these.
6. Nuts Allergic reaction to nuts often causes the airway to become swollen which can trigger asthma symptoms like coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. Nut allergies are common among children and adults. Tree nuts like peanut and cashew can trigger potentially fatal allergic reactions. Consuming nuts may also result in an asthma attack. Studies have shown that children with nut allergies typically develop asthma earlier than those without. These children are also more likely to be hospitalized for nut allergies and asthma attacks. It’s advised that you avoid all foods with nuts if you are allergic.