Allergies and asthma can be pretty debilitating. Symptoms of chronic coughing, shortness of breath, fatigue, and excess mucus production can significantly affect your quality of life. Many asthma and allergy patients resort to taking medications and nasal sprays like Afrin, Flonase, Claritin, Nasacort, Nucala, Stiolto, Spiriva Dupixent, and Fasenra to help reduce breathing issues. However, often the source of asthma and allergy triggers can be found in the foods we eat. Here is a list of six foods that can exacerbate allergy and asthma symptoms:

1. Dairy products
Consuming dairy products may make your symptoms of allergy or asthma worse as well. Dairy products derived from cows and other animals contain milk sugar, or lactose, which is difficult for many to digest. If you have difficulty digesting milk sugar and milk products, you may suffer excess mucus production and breathing issues after consuming them

2. Peanuts
Peanut protein is often one of the most allergenic foods in the world, so avoiding them is ideal if you suffer from these conditions. They are also high in fat, which can contribute to problems with the heart and contribute to weight gain.

3. Acidic foods and drinks
Some acidic foods and drinks, such as citrus juices, tomatoes, tomato sauces, pineapples, cranberries, and rhubarb, may aggravate asthma symptoms such as wheezing. The pH of these types of food varies from 4-5, which are more acidic than most other types of food. These foods should be avoided if they cause a worsening in your symptoms

4. Cold cuts
Many asthma or allergies sufferers have issues with nitrates, the chemicals and preservatives used to extend the shelflife of cold cuts and deli meats. According to a recent study from the World Health Organization, patients with asthma who consume relatively high amounts of cured meats—including bacon, ham, sausage, and salami—are more likely to experience worsening symptoms.

5. Eggs
Eggs are a common food allergen, so consuming them if you’ve already had an adverse reaction may mean more severe asthma symptoms. Additionally, many patients who are allergic to eggs and develop skin reactions such as hives may only have a slight egg allergy or sensitivity. However, it may be enough to spur an asthma attack

6. Carbonated beverages
Beverages such as sodas and energy drinks are known to cause breathing problems in some individuals, and can trigger worsening asthma and allergies. Carbonated drinks can increase mucus production, which according to the National Institutes of Health, increases the risk of an asthma attack. Studies warn that asthma patients who drank regular soda three or more times per day were 64% more likely to suffer an asthma attack.

Asthma and allergy symptoms can largely be managed via the foods we eat (and elminite from our diets). In addition to paying particular attention to our diets, our interior environment should be clean and clear of airborne toxins. Using a quiet pure air filter for asthma inside your bedroom may reduce your breathing issues. Also, if you suffer from chronic asthma or allergies talk to your doctor about potential asthma medication you can use to lessen your symptoms today.