Foods To Avoid That Worsen COPD Symptoms

Most of us might not be aware that certain food items can flare up the symptoms of COPD. The lung condition worsens when these foods are taken in large amounts, making breathing difficult. Though medicines are important to manage the symptoms of COPD, lifestyle changes, including special attention to diet, are also essential for maintaining the overall functioning of the lungs.

By understanding which foods to avoid, you can take proactive steps to prevent the symptoms of COPD from getting triggered. In this write-up, we will delve into the specific food items that are well-known to exacerbate the symptoms of COPD, including breathlessness and coughing, as suggested by a reputed COPD specialist doctor in Kolkata.

What is COPD?

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a lung disease that is caused by the blocking of the airways that leads to inflammation and damage to the lungs. As a result, it becomes difficult for the air to flow in and out of the lungs, resulting in respiratory issues like chronic cough, wheezing, shortness of breath, and frequent respiratory infections.

COPD is a progressive disease that develops slowly and worsens over time due to long-term exposure to irritants like cigarette smoke, air pollution and occupational dust.

This disease can’t be cured but with proper treatment and lifestyle changes, it is possible to manage the condition and help the individuals lead an active lifestyle despite the challenges posed by this disorder.

What Are The Foods That Must Be Avoided For COPD?

By making better dietary choices, you manage COPD effectively. To help you with this, you can contact Dr. Amitabha Saha, a well-recognised COPD specialist in Kolkata. He is an esteemed senior consultant with over 22 years of experience in critical care and internal medicine and has provided quality treatment to several COPD patients.

He suggested the following foods must be consumed in small quantities or avoided completely to keep COPD under check.

1. Fried and processed foods: Fried and processed foods containing unhealthy fats lead to bloating in the abdomen. Due to extra gas in the digestive system, the patient might not be able to take full breath due to extra pressure on the diaphragm.
2. Salt: The body requires a little bit of salt to maintain its sodium level. However, when taken in excess, it leads to water retention in the lungs, known as pulmonary oedema, which makes breathing difficult.
3. Dairy products: In some individuals, consumption of dairy products increases mucus production, resulting in pulmonary congestion and breathing difficulty.
4. Caffeinated beverages: Caffeinated drinks can interfere with some of the COPD medications, resulting in increased heart rate and breathing difficulty. Due to increased nervousness, patients might experience shortness of breath.
5. Alcohol: Excessive consumption of alcohol destroys the mucociliary transport system, a defence mechanism to clear mucus and other irritants from the airways. It also causes allergic reactions with certain COPD medicines, thereby worsening the condition.

Final Words

Making the right dietary choice is essential to dealing with COPD. Make sure to avoid the specified food items and take a significant step towards better respiratory health. However, it is to be remembered that each person reacts differently to the above food items. Hence, always consult a COPD specialist doctor in Kolkata to have a personalised diet chart that works for you.