If a person has lung diseases like COPD, asthma, or eosinophilic esophagitis the doctors might advise them to use medications like Flonase refrain from eating certain foods that cause allergies and breathing issues. These foods can worsen chronic disease symptoms and cause a lot of discomfort. This article lists seven such foods that put pressure on the diaphragm, causing difficulty in breathing.

1. Salty foods
The top foods that cause breathing issues are those rich in salt. This includes processed foods like French fries, packaged nuts, potato chips, and sodium-rich soups. These foods increase water retention in the body, causing edema and bloating. It puts pressure on the diaphragm, making it difficult to breathe.

2. Cruciferous vegetables
Certain vegetables are like broccoli, radish, cauliflower, and cabbage are among the foods that cause breathing problems. Consuming these can increase gas and bloating in the stomach. As this puts pressure on the torso, it becomes hard for a person to breathe.

3. Fried foods
Fried items not only cause breathing issues but a host of other problems. They lead to weight gain, which puts pressure on the lungs, making it difficult to breathe. If consumed regularly, these increase cholesterol levels as well. It can further lead to heart disease and other complications.

4. Simple carbohydrates
Simple carbs include foods like sugar, pasta, bread, and rice. These often cause inflammation and are known allergens. If a person is sensitive to these items, they can trigger allergies and make breathing difficult. Also, the body requires a lot of energy to digest these foods. It can increase the work done by the lungs, making breathing difficult.

5. Dairy
Dairy products like milk, cheese, and butter can cause a phlegm build-up in the respiratory tract. It can also lead to the inflammation of the tissues if a person is allergic to these items. These complications might make it difficult for a person to breathe. It’s best to avoid desserts containing dairy products, such as ice cream, custard, or buttercream frostings. They have both dairy and simple carbs and can worsen respiratory symptoms.

6. Carbonated beverages
Some beverages, like colas and beer, contain a lot of carbon dioxide. It is what gives these drinks their fizzy properties. However, these beverages can cause a build-up of gas in the stomach, leading to bloating and puts pressure on the diaphragm.

7. Processed meat
Cured meat is among the foods that cause breathing issues as they are rich in nitrites. These ingredients are preservatives that keep the meat from getting spoiled. However, they lead to respiratory problems in some people.

Apart from avoiding foods that cause breathing issues, it’s also recommended to eat items that boost immunity. To keep breathing problems from worsening, one must refrain from smoking and reduce air pollution exposure. Regular exercise can also help, as obesity is often a cause of breathing issues.