Do cold drinks make cough worse?

Coughing is an involuntary reflex action by the body that helps clear any foreign object, mucus or irritant from the respiratory tract. While coughing can be a bothersome symptom, it’s usually beneficial to your overall health as it prevents infections and diseases. However, when you have a persistent cough that never seems to go away despite taking medication or other measures like avoiding allergens or irritants, you may be tempted to try anything that promises relief.

One such question many people ask is whether cold drinks make cough worse? Let’s get into the science behind this popular myth and separate fact from fiction.

What Causes a Persistent Cough?

Before we delve into whether cold drinks exacerbate coughs, let’s first examine what causes persistent coughs. Some of these include:

  • Viral infection: Common viral illnesses like flu and common cold can cause irritation in your throat leading to excessive coughing.
  • Asthma: People who suffer from asthma experience inflammation in their airways leading them to develop chronic dry and nonproductive cough.
  • Acid reflux: When acid flows back up from your stomach into your esophagus causing heartburn which sometimes results in chronic sore throat and frequent bouts of uncontrollable nighttime hacking known as nocturnal acid reflux-induced symptoms.
  • Allergies: Seasonal allergies like hay fever trigger an allergic reaction inducing all sorts of unpleasant symptoms including both wet & dry constant barking fits; itchy eyes/nose/ears/throat due mostly but not exclusively on exposure towards wind-borne pollen levels spiking at different times throughout deep-breathing seasons among others while some pets might lead individuals being prone towards animal dander attacks — either way triggers must match before activating this bodily defense response system thereby making care-taking much harder rather than being taken for granted with just warm fluids especially whole milk consumption provided level stays within tolerable range levels instead (among other things!).

The Cold Drink Myth

Now that we know some of the potential causes of coughing let’s address whether cold drinks accelerate or worsen a cough. According to scientific studies and medical experts, there is no clear evidence to suggest that consuming cold drinks can make your cough worse.

In fact, drinking cold fluids may offer relief for people suffering from sore throat irritation, which typically accompanies persistent coughs. Drinking water or other hydrating fluids helps keep the body hydrated and prevents irritants from directly irritating sensitive tissues in the throat leading them into spasms as it would if they were dry without enough nourishment.

Therefore contrary to popular belief, drinking cold beverages does not increase mucus production or worsen respiratory infections like common queries such as ‘can cola really cure a nagging flu?’ indeed fruit juice containing puree consistency eases symptoms provided but isn’t limited only within reason –on delirious feeling days these remedies are best tested solo rather than together with others who might become infected due to cross-contamination by infectious microorganisms involved so unless you’d like company down with illness too leave them be individually enjoyed (just a thought!) Moreover adding ice cubes when enjoying various beverages allows individuals more chance at enjoying refreshingly cool beverage variations beyond just straight coffee and provides stimulation needed alongside caffeine content thereof thereby spurring brain function among other things on most tea-toting days instead (therefore worth exploring options using all-natural alternatives!).

What Works for Persistent Cough?

If you’re looking for ways to manage persistent coughs regardless of their cause; here are some tips that work:

– Stay Hydrated: Always ensure you drink plenty of water mostly room temperature variant between 7 – 8 cups per day

Water Amount
Pure mineral spring 8cups
[Warm/Hot Lemon] (https://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/qa/will-drinking-lemon-juice-ease-your-cough) 1 cup
[Honey & Turmeric] (https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/how-do-i-get-the-benefits-of-ginger-turmeric-and-or-goji?fbclid=IwAR2NIxPF0AunCGfZVdrFgomInsk0dDoeMORljhfo5yUIA9X6-k4PLq3ROCU#avoiding-interactions-withers-medications-healthier-diet-immune-support-other-factors-) A tablespoon mixed with warm water, some milk, and turmeric

Furthermore aiming for steam inhalation minimum twice daily duration ranging from 15 to 20 minutes assists in loosening mucus buildups without any unwanted side effects at all (even beneficial). This soothing technique involves putting boiling water in a large basin then covering your head above the rim while taking deep breaths of humid air. These moistens nasal passages open sinuses up–relieving pressure where irritation exists while moisturizing dry outer skin layer around corners nostrils sensitive nerve endings alleviating annoying tickles else potential pains as well (just imagine otherwise!).

Conclusion

Hopefully, this article has offered you valuable insight into the myth that cold drinks worsen coughs. You should always listen to your body carefully when experiencing persistent cough symptoms and if they persist or get worse despite home remedies like drinking hydrating fluids limit caffeinated substances altogether after doing so during instances lasting beyond normal recovery time frame. Although it’s tempting to try anything promising quick relief feeling better often entails patience alongside taking care since staying healthy requires single choices leading every facet involving what we eat drink how much sleep gets isn’t worth risking one’s overall wellbeing on false beliefs alone (simply put).

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