Inflammation and mucus are useful tools that the body uses to protect and lubricate, but these tools can also be harmful if they are triggered by certain foods. Common respiratory issues like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, (nontuberculous mycobacterial) NTM lung disease, MAC lung infection, Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) infection, and nasal polyps can all be improved upon by making some slight dietary changes. For example, there has been extensive research done to prove a direct tie between certain foods and breathing issues. You can also receive NUCALA prescription for nasal polyposis sinus, chronic rhinosinusitis nasal polyposis crswnp. Common allergens can exacerbate an already overloaded system when it comes to problems with breathing, so if you are an individual who has suffered with chronic breathing problems, and take medications like Robitussin, Theraflu, Stiolto, Flonase, or Afrin; and are prone to an asthma attack, then you should avoid the following foods that could trigger breathing issues:

1. Cow’s milk
Dairy can be a commer trigger for respiratory symptoms because it increases mucus production in the lungs. This increased mucus production can trigger asthma attacks or other respiratory symptoms, so dairy should be left out of your diet if you want to avoid adverse reactions.

2. Shellfish
When shellfish proteins get into the body, your body may respond adversely by creating antibodies. These antibodies are what can create the respiratory reaction after consumption, particularly if you already suffer from a seafood or shellfish allergy.

3. Eggs
Even though they can be a great source of protein and vitamins, eggs are also a common trigger for respiratory issues. This occurs because the body erroneously believes that the proteins that are found in eggs are harmful. When your body ingests these proteins, antibodies cause the body to cause harmful inflammation in the body.

4. Peanuts and tree nuts
Peanuts and tree nuts can cause severe allergic reactions. Peanuts are legumes, but they have similar proteins to nuts, including almosts, walnuts, pistachios, and more. With nut allergies, the body’s immune system overreacts to these proteins, and your body starts to fight against those proteins, which causes the allergic reaction.

5. Gluten
Various blind studies show that a gluten-free diet can improve asthma. Gluten can induce inflammation in lung tissue, and when patients eat a gluten-free diet, that inflammation drastically decreases.

Foods can have a huge effect on the amount of inflammation occurring in your body. Since certain foods can bring on allergy signs and symptoms, certain NTM treatment guidelines suggest taking steps to cut these items out of your diet. It may be challenging to cut out foods that you love right away, so try to eliminate the foods one by one. Once you see the improvements in your health, you will feel motivated to continue with your new way of eating.