How Can I Limit Asthma Attacks?

I have a problem with asthma and so far aspirin is the only thing I know that definitely triggers it. I know if I take an aspirin, I’ll have a rough time, so I make a point to avoid it. Even so, I still have occasional attacks. Is there anything else I need to watch out for?

Aspirin is really acetylsalicylic acid and current estimates are that 20 to 25 percent of all asthma sufferers have problems with aspirin. Since it bothers you, certain foods containing natural salicylates may also cause asthma attacks. Foods that naturally have higher levels of salicylates include:

• Apricots
• Apples (apple cider and vinegar)
• Almonds
• Berries (blackberries, currants, gooseberries, cherries, strawberries, and raspberries)
• Cucumbers
• Pickles
• Mint
• Cloves
• Grapes
• Raisins
• Wine
• Nectarine
• Tomatoes
• Peaches
• Oranges
• Plums
• Prunes

You might want to avoid these for a while and then gradually introduce each one back into the diet to determine if they present a problem.

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