TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - ISPA or Acute Respiratory Infections are caused by bacteria, viruses, and rachitis that attack the upper respiratory system. ISPA could also be caused by other factors such as bad air quality and air pollution.
Citing the website of Indonesia's Health Ministry, ISPA is a current health problem in Indonesia. According to the National Health Survey in 2011, of 100 toddlers, 28 of them died from ISPA, especially pneumonia. The mortality rate of pneumonia in toddlers is 4.9/1,000, meaning 140,000 toddlers die from pneumonia each year in Indonesia.
In addition to children and toddlers, ISPA also infects adults. ISPA patients are encouraged to avoid certain foods to avoid aggravating their health conditions. The details are as follows:
1. Oily foods
Oily food or deep-fried foods are hard to digest and dissolve. Consuming oily food could potentially cause excessive mucus production in your throat which makes it hard to breathe. In addition, oily food could cause weight gain which will increase pressure on the lungs.
2. Spicy foods
Spicy foods have to be avoided by ISPA patients since they could irritate the respiratory system and digestive systems.
3. Dairy products
Dairy products could aggravate lung problems since they contain casomorphin. Casomorphin could potentially increase mucus production in the lungs of ISPA patients.
4. Excessive caffeine and sugar
ISPA patients are recommended to avoid high-sugar and caffeinated food and beverages such as tea, coffee, energy drinks, cakes, and ice cream. Caffeine could interfere with certain medications and cause anxiety.
5. Processed meat and gluten
Processed meat could cause irritation and stress for the lungs, exacerbating the condition of people who have lung problems. In addition, bread, pasta, cake, and biscuits or processed glutens could contribute to the worsening state of one's lungs.
MUTIARA ROUDHATUL JANNAH
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