Top 10 Foods to Avoid When Dealing with Bronchitis

Bronchitis is a common condition that isn’t typically dangerous, but if not properly treated, it can lead to pneumonia in some children. Additionally, repeated bouts of bronchitis may result in more serious complications, such as chronic bronchitis, asthma, or other pulmonary disorders. One of the key things to avoid, as Mytour points out in this article, is spicy and hot foods. Spicy ingredients like chili and pepper can irritate the bronchial lining, causing throat discomfort, a burning sensation, and triggering coughing, so they should be avoided.

People with bronchitis should avoid consuming alcohol and beer, especially before bedtime. Alcohol and beer can impair the respiratory center, potentially leading to irregular breathing or even breathing cessation, which could be life-threatening. For bronchitis patients, maintaining a balanced and proper diet is also one of the key methods to help effectively treat the condition.

Refined sugar adds sweetness and calories to food and drinks, but offers little to no nutritional value. While consuming sugary foods occasionally is fine, it's best to avoid high-sugar items as much as possible to help reduce or prevent the symptoms of bronchitis. Common sources of refined sugar include sugary beverages, candy, milk chocolate, syrups, sweet cereals, cookies, almond chocolates, pastries, cakes, and muffins.

Consuming too many sour or astringent fruits can thicken mucus and make it harder to expel, which can cause additional discomfort and fatigue for those suffering from bronchitis. Foods with strong sour or astringent flavors should be avoided when dealing with acute bronchitis. These types of foods can make the mucus-clearing process more difficult, leading to congestion in the airways and an increased risk of secondary infections.

During the treatment of bronchitis, it’s important to avoid cold foods like ice cream, yogurt, and cold drinks. Cold temperatures can weaken the respiratory mucous membranes, making them more vulnerable to bacterial infections, which can worsen throat inflammation, bronchial swelling, and lead to excessive coughing and mucus production. To reduce the cold effect, it’s best to let refrigerated items like yogurt or fruit sit outside for about 30 minutes before eating.

Processed meats and red meats should be limited or avoided when suffering from bronchitis. A study published in the American Journal of Nutrition found that consuming these types of meats can worsen the inflammatory symptoms in patients. It’s better to opt for anti-inflammatory protein sources like salmon, sardines, mackerel, and tuna.

Foods high in protein are more likely to cause allergic reactions, leading to throat itching, swelling, pain, increased mucus production, difficulty breathing, and triggering coughing, especially in children with bronchitis. Allergic reactions are more common in children with weakened immune systems. In addition to known allergens, seafood and fish like crab, shrimp, fish, and soy should also be avoided during this time.

Although dairy products are rich in protein and calcium, they also contain high levels of saturated fats, which can exacerbate mucus production and lead to breathing difficulties. While probiotics in yogurt can help manage bronchitis symptoms, full-fat milk and cheeses can worsen mucus buildup and make breathing more difficult, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. It’s best to avoid high-fat dairy-based foods like creamy soups, pizza, and cheese-based dishes during this time.

Reducing salt intake is important for those with bronchitis. Excessive salt can cause the body to retain fluid, which in turn leads to fluid buildup in the bronchial tissues, exacerbating inflammation. This also increases mucus production. Salt is prevalent in fast food, frozen meals, and canned foods, so individuals with bronchitis should avoid these processed foods to prevent worsening their condition.

Fried foods, such as French fries, fried chicken, and onion rings, are popular in many households. However, these foods contain high levels of saturated fats, which are linked to increased risks of high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease. For individuals with bronchitis, it is advisable to avoid or limit fried foods like fries, doughnuts, and fried meats. Additionally, fried foods can worsen lung inflammation and aggravate bronchitis symptoms. To avoid these issues, opt for steamed or fresh alternatives instead of fried or stir-fried dishes.