What Not To Eat When Affected By Bronchitis ?

Bronchitis is an inflammation that occurs when an infection affects the bronchial tubes and the mucus glands lining the walls of the bronchial tubes. It causes excess mucus to be produced and that narrows the air passages in the respiratory system.

There are two types of bronchitis, acute bronchitis and chronic bronchitis. Acute bronchitis occurs from a viral or a bacterial infection that affects the upper respiratory system. It spreads to the bronchial tubes from the nose and sinuses and to the lungs itself. Chronic bronchitis lasts for more than three months and occurs in consecutive years or so. It occurs due to prolonged exposure to smoke, smoke particles, and other such lung irritants. It cannot be cured but relief can be provided for the symptoms.

Both types of bronchitis are characterised by hacking cough that produces sputum or phlegm that is produced by the mucus glands that line the bronchial tubes. Due to narrowing of the air passageways, the person affected by bronchitis will experience breathlessness or shortness of breath and wheezing. The person will also experience fatigue and malaise.

Usually the inhalers and drugs that are prescribed for bronchitis help relieve the symptoms. In addition some foods can be avoided to prevent them from interfering with breathing or mucus production.

Avoid fried foods to prevent aggravation of bronchitis

Fried foods are to be avoided in general itself for many other diseases and disorders. They have fatty acids that lead to deposit of fat and cholesterol in the linings of glands. The bronchitis generally causes swelling and thickening of the walls of lungs and the bronchial tubes.

The fatty fried foods would contribute to the deposit of cholesterol along the walls and hence cause more narrowing of the already narrow air passages. Thus it is better to avoid foods that have been dunked in oil and fried.

Fried foods include French fries, chicken that has been fried, onion rings and foods that contain a large amount of saturated fat.  These foods also contribute to diseases like heart disorders, high level of cholesterol, diabetes type 2.

Say no to high fat dairy foods

Mucus production tends to aggravate with whole milk and cheese. The bacteria found in yoghurt can help in relieving the symptoms of bronchitis. The more production of mucus leads to thickening of the walls and narrowing of the passages. One should avoid eating ice creams, pizza that has been topped with cheese, cheese cakes, soups that are cream based and similar foods.

On the whole, one should take more fruits and vegetables that can maintain the body without any deficiency. Fatty acids and antioxidants that reduce inflammation are meant to be taken from these eatables and not obtained from fried foods.

A balanced lifestyle with adequate grains, nuts and seeds, fruits and vegetables can help relieve symptoms and add to a healthy life. It is advisable for the elderly to take meals in small portions from time to time.