The wait times in our emergency departments are longer than usual due to illnesses like RSV and the flu. View our estimated ED wait times and learn more about where to get care for your sick child.

Patient & Family Education Materials

Start over with a New Search

Definition: Sulfites

Article Translations: (Spanish)

Sulfites

Sulfites are a kind of food preservative that can cause breathing difficulties in some people with asthma. In these people, they're considered an asthma trigger because they bring on asthma symptoms such as cough, wheezing, or shortness of breath. 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.

© 1995-2025 KidsHealth ® All rights reserved. Images provided by iStock, Getty Images, Corbis, Veer, Science Photo Library, Science Source Images, Shutterstock, and Clipart.com