What Are Some Foods That Trigger Bronchospasms?

Peanuts

One of the most common food allergies is to peanuts. Not only is it common, but it’s most likely to stick with you throughout life. It doesn’t take much of this nut to stimulate an allergic reaction. Asthma is a frequently reported symptom of a peanut allergy. If you’ve experienced bronchospasms after eating peanuts, then avoid this food. Beware, though, as peanuts are hidden in many different foods, including baked goods, cereals, soups, natural flavorings, energy bars and egg rolls.

Milk

Your immune system may be hypersensitive to cow’s milk, causing you to experience bronchospasms. The proteins casein and whey in cow’s milk are to blame for an adverse immune reaction to this food. The good news is that, even though a milk allergy is relatively common in childhood, most children outgrow it by age 3. Some are unlucky, however, and remain allergic their entire lives. Substitute soy or almond milk for cow's milk. Before you go investing in any new, expensive skin products, check the labels. Cow’s milk may be hidden in cosmetics, medicines, creams and ointments.

Wheat

If you find yourself gasping for air after eating bread, cereal or pasta, you may have a wheat allergy. With a wheat allergy, your immunoglobulin E antibodies act out against proteins such as albumin, globulin and gluten, found in wheat and wheat products. An adverse reaction can occur immediately or a few hours after inhaling or ingesting wheat. Ingredients in food products you should avoid if you have this allergy include bread crumbs, bran, couscous, cracker meal, gluten, semolina wheat, enriched flour and vital gluten. Be cautious of soy sauce, modified food starch, natural flavoring and starches, as they, too, may contain wheat. Fortunately, there are a variety of gluten-free products available for you to try so you don’t have to give up pasta, bread and cereal entirely.

Eggs

Eggs are comprised of various proteins that can cause an allergic reaction and trigger bronchospasms. Most people find they are allergic to the egg white, but some are allergic to the yolk. If you experience breathing difficulties after eating eggs, it’s best to steer clear of them. Eggs are tricky to avoid because they are everywhere, from obvious foods like baked goods and breaded meats to less obvious ones like processed meats, salad dressings and some wines. Make-up products, shampoos and even the flu vaccine contain egg. Label reading is tricky with an egg allergy -- watch out for the ingredients albumin, globulin, lechithin, livetin, lisozyme, simplesse and ingredients with the prefix "ovo."