Coughing can be a very irritating symptom and is one of the most common symptoms of illnesses like the flu, bronchitis, and pneumonia. It can also be caused by an underlying disease or condition, and the type of cough you experience may offer clues about the cause of your coughing fits. People dealing with a chronic cough may contemplate drinking coffee to help relieve their symptoms, but is it really safe to drink coffee when you are coughing?
Drinking coffee when you have a cough may not be the best decision. When you drink coffee when you have a cough, the caffeine may worsen your symptoms as it stimulates the part of the brain and central nervous system that are responsible for the cough reflex. It can also irritate the airways, leading to more coughing and more tightness in the chest. Furthermore, drinking coffee while dealing with a cough can make it harder to get the restorative sleep that you need to recover.
However, when used in the right way, coffee can help with coughing. If your coughing is caused by asthma, an espresso or cappuccino can help to improve your airways and make it easier to breathe. If your cough is caused by post-nasal drip, coffee can help to increase the amount of thick mucus in the throat and reduce your coughing.
Also, according to a study from the New England Journal of Medicine, a substantial portion of the population suffer from a condition known as nocturnal cough, which is characterised by waking from sleep in the middle of the night due to coughing fits. It is believed that the caffeine contained in coffee can reduce the bouts of night-time coughing. Experts suggest that it may be the arrangement of adenosine receptors in the brain and upper airways that is responsible for this effect.
If you are thinking of having coffee while dealing with a cough, it is best to try an iced coffee. It contains lower amounts of caffeine than hot coffee, and it can also give you relief from being overheated. You can also try adding a little honey or lemon to your coffee. This can help to soothe the throat and reduce coughing fits.
It is also important to remember to drink plenty of water and other fluids as this will help to thin the mucus, expel irritants and soothe the throat. If you are suffering from a dry cough, drinking coffee can help to increase the natural production of saliva in the mouth and throat, relieving dryness. However, it is important to talk to a doctor before drinking coffee when you have a cough as the caffeine may worsen your symptoms.
Can Drinking Coffee Help Reduce Symptoms of Asthma?
Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition that is characterised by episodes of wheezing and difficulty breathing caused by airway inflammation. It is believed that drinking coffee can help to improve airway function and reduce inflammation. Studies have indicated that coffee intake was associated with reduced risk of wheezing in both adults and children.
It is thought that caffeine’s ability to increase arousal may be partially responsible for its positive effects on asthma. Additionally, caffeine has been found to help people with asthma take fewer rescue medications, and also improve their quality of life and level of physical activity.
Coffee also contains a compound known as chlorogenic acid, which has anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties. By aiding the body’s natural inflammatory response, it can help to relieve symptoms of asthma and other respiratory conditions. Furthermore, caffeine has bronchodilatory properties, which can help to widen the airways and relieve wheezing breathlessness.
However, the effects of caffeine on asthma symptoms vary from person to person, and if you are thinking of having coffee to reduce your symptoms, it is important to talk to a doctor first. The caffeine can have different effects in different people, so it is best to talk to a healthcare professional before you start drinking coffee regularly, especially if you are taking medication for your respiratory condition.
Can Coffee Help With Coughs Caused by Postnasal Drip?
Postnasal drip is a common cause of coughing, and it is usually caused by allergies or sinusitis. When allergens or irritants enter the body, the body’s mucous glands produce more mucous to protect the body. This can then accumulate in the back of the throat and cause coughing.
Coffee can help to alleviate symptoms of postnasal drip, as caffeine can decrease mucous congestion and make it easier to expel irritants. Drinking coffee can also increase the production of thick mucus in the throat, making it harder for debris and irritants to reach the airways and reduce coughing fits.
Additionally, the caffeine in coffee stimulates the brain and increases alertness and awareness, which can help to reduce the feeling of drowsiness common in people with sinusitis and allergies. Furthermore, coffee contains antioxidants which can help to reduce irritation of the nose and throat and improve airway function.
However, if you are experiencing symptoms of postnasal drip, it is important to talk to a doctor as the condition can be caused by allergies or a bacterial or viral infection. Your doctor may prescribe medication to treat the condition and help relieve your symptoms, and drinking coffee should be done in moderation and in combination with other treatments.
Does Coffee Have Any Other Benefits For Cough Sufferers?
Coffee has been found to have a number of other benefits for those suffering from a cough. Studies have indicated that caffeine can increase the strength of the respiratory muscles, making it easier to expel excess mucus and irritants. Furthermore, coffee can help to provide relief from being overheated and feeling drained, common symptoms of coughing.
Coffee can also provide a pleasant distraction from the cough, as it is often associated with positive social experiences. Taking a break to enjoy a cup of coffee can bring a sense of calm and relaxation, as well as providing a break from coughing fits.
It is also important to remember to stay hydrated and drinking coffee can be part of this. The water contained in coffee can help to thin out mucus, relieve tightness in the chest, and provide relief from dry coughing fits.
What Are The Risks Of Drinking Coffee When Suffering From A Cough?
Drinking coffee when you have a cough can have its risks, as the caffeine can irritate the airways and make your symptoms worse. Furthermore, coffee can interfere with the body’s ability to get restorative sleep, making it harder for your body to recover from the illness.
Additionally, there is also evidence that caffeine can make you more prone to chest infections, as it can make it harder for the body to clear out irritants and bacteria. People with asthma should also be cautious, as coffee may make symptoms worse.
It is also important to remember that coffee can be dehydrating and the diuretic effect of the caffeine can cause you to lose more fluids than you take in. This can have a negative effect on your cough symptoms, as well as your general health. Therefore it is important to make sure you are drinking enough water when you are drinking coffee.
How Can Cough Sufferers Enjoy Coffee Safely?
If you are thinking of drinking coffee while dealing with a cough, it is important to remember to do it in moderation. Experts suggest one to two cups of coffee a day to help reduce coughing fits, but it is best to talk to a doctor first to ensure it is safe for your particular condition.
It is also a good idea to try having iced coffee, as it contains lower amounts of caffeine than hot coffee. You can also try adding other ingredients such as honey or lemon to your coffee, which may help to ease symptoms of a cough. Additionally, it is important to drink plenty of fluids and make sure you are getting enough rest to help recovery.
Overall, drinking coffee when you have a cough may not be the best decision, as the caffeine can have negative effects on your symptoms. However, it can be beneficial when used wisely and combined with other treatments. It is important to talk to a doctor before drinking coffee when you have a cough, as the caffeine can have different effects in different people.
