Patient & Family Education Materials

Start over with a New Search

Word! Sulfites

Article Translations: (Spanish)

Sulfites

Say: sul-fytes

Sulfites are food preservatives that can cause breathing difficulties in some people with asthma. In these people sulfites are considered an asthma trigger because they bring on asthma symptoms such as cough, wheezing, or shortness of breath. They are used in the preparation of many food products to prevent spoilage. Some examples of products that contain sulfites include: wine, beer, dried fruits and vegetables, shrimp, and pickles.

Back To Top

Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.

© 1995-2024 KidsHealth ® All rights reserved. Images provided by iStock, Getty Images, Corbis, Veer, Science Photo Library, Science Source Images, Shutterstock, and Clipart.com