A normal cough that is accompanied by flu is not something to worry about. However, a persistent cough should not be taken lightly. If the illness worsens, then the cough often comes with mucus, which signifies a far more severe issue. Breathing difficulties, wheezing, coughing, and mucus production are often symptoms of chronic bronchitis, which falls under chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. It is not curable but can be managed with care. Fighting bronchitis – Foods to avoid People suffering from chronic bronchitis often suffer from breathing problems, persistent cough, and wheezing. As these symptoms cause more discomfort to the patient, it is advised to eliminate exposure to smoke and other pollutants. In addition, the illness can also be managed by making lifestyle changes, which include food habits. This ensures that the patient does not face any discomfort and that they remain healthy to fight against bronchitis. There are some foods that should be avoided, and these include: Sodium An excessive amount of sodium (salt) often increases the patient’s discomfort by aiding water retention. People who suffer from COPD, especially chronic bronchitis, suffer from the common symptom of edema (swelling due to fluid retention) in the legs, ankles, and feet. If the consumption of food with high amounts of sodium isn’t avoided, it starts affecting the lung and heart’s ability to process liquids, leading to the worsening of the swelling.