Congestion and swelling can develop as a result of what you eat if you have certain medical conditions. The most common conditions that can trigger swelling and congestion in your body include food allergies, histamine intolerance and food additive sensitivities. If you suspect that certain foods cause inflammation and increased congestion in your body, make an appointment with your doctor to determine the cause.
Histamine
Any time histamine is released in excessive amounts, you develop swelling in soft tissues, increased mucus production and inflammation throughout the body, according to Michigan Allergy, Sinus and Asthma Specialists. Histamine is a chemical that naturally protects the body from infection, but when produced in excess it can lead to various symptoms, including swelling in the sinuses, lungs, skin, digestive system and cardiovascular system.
Food Allergies
When you consume a food to which you're allergic, the proteins from the food stimulate the production of histamine. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, 90 percent of all food allergies are triggered by wheat, soy, milk, eggs, fish, tree nuts and peanuts. Other foods that often cause an allergic reaction include pineapple, strawberries, melons, tomatoes and other tropical fruits. Food allergies are incurable and in rare cases can cause life-threatening symptoms that can lead to death.
Histamine Intolerance
Some people have an intolerance toward foods that contain histamine. Histamine intolerance occurs when your body cannot metabolize the substance normally. Histamine intolerance can cause symptoms similar to an allergic reaction, such as nasal congestion, lung congestion, runny nose, post-nasal drip, shortness of breath, skin rashes, and digestive complications such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Common foods that contain histamine include beer, wine, canned tuna, eggplant and dried fruits.
Food Additive Sensitivities
Some food additives can cause swelling and congestion within minutes of ingesting the chemicals. Common additives that may trigger adverse reactions throughout your body include sulfites, nitrates, aspartame, parabens and monosodium glutamate, also called MSG, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. Common symptoms from food additive sensitivities include pale skin, nausea, rapid pulse, feeling faint, sweating, mental confusion and passing out.
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