Coughing is an uncomfortable and sometimes painful symptom, but it can also be essential in helping to clear nasal and throat passages of foreign objects and bacteria. For many people, drinking coffee is a way of dealing with the pain or discomfort that coughing can cause. But is it safe to drink coffee while coughing, or is there a risk?
Caffeine is known to have several properties that may be beneficial in relieving coughing symptoms. It is known to help reduce inflammation, improve mood and increase alertness—all of which can help to make coughing easier to deal with. Caffeine also contains alkaloids, including theobromine, which can help open airways and reduce chest tightness.
However, there is a lack of scientific evidence to suggest that drinking coffee while coughing is safe or beneficial. The high acidity level of coffee can further irritate a sore throat, and the heat of the beverage can also worsen coughing symptoms. In addition, coffee contains caffeine, which is a stimulant and can make it more difficult to relax and rest – the best way to manage a cough. Caffeine can also interfere with restful sleep, which can make a person more susceptible to illness.
The medical community generally agrees that it is best for an individual to decide for themselves whether or not to drink coffee while coughing. Many people find that a cup of coffee provides relief from pain and irritation. However, it is important that an individual pays attention to their body and its reactions to coffee, especially if they are experiencing other symptoms of illness such as fever or chest pain.
It is also recommended that people limit the amount of coffee they consume. Caffeine can be addictive, and too much caffeine can lead to headaches and anxiety. For people who have chronic coughing symptoms, it is recommended that they limit their caffeine consumption to no more than two or three cups of coffee per day. Additionally, drinking coffee in moderation can help ensure that the beverage does not contribute to dehydration, which can further aggravate coughing symptoms.
Alternative Drink Suggestions
If an individual decides that it is not wise to drink coffee while coughing, there are alternative drinks that can help ease coughing symptoms. For example, warm drinks like tea can soothe a sore throat and reduce inflammation. Ginger tea has a variety of anti-inflammatory properties and can help relieve chest tightness and reduce coughing. A person can also make a tea with honey, lemon and turmeric, which helps reduce inflammation and improve immunity.
Herbal teas like chamomile can also help reduce coughing symptoms by reducing mucous production and decreasing inflammation. Licorice root tea is also popular and has been found to alleviate chest tightness and improve throat health. Hot water with a pinch of salt and honey can help soothe irritated throats and reduce coughing. Lastly, drinking plenty of plain water throughout the day can also help reduce coughing symptoms and keep the body hydrated.
Home Remedies for Coughing
In addition to drinking soothing liquids, there are other home remedies that can help reduce coughing symptoms. Gargling warm salt water, for instance, can help reduce throat irritation and reduce coughing. Adding honey, lemon and ginger to warm water is also a popular remedy for a sore throat and coughing. Steaming is another popular home remedy for coughing as it helps to open airways and reduce inflammation.
On a final note, it is important that coughs are not suppressed for too long. Coughs are important for clearing the throat and lungs of foreign substances. Suppressing a cough for too long can result in a build-up of mucous in the lungs, which can cause infections and other respiratory illness.
Coughing Medicines
Over-the-counter medicines like cough syrups, lozenges and expectorants are commonly taken in order to reduce coughing symptoms. It is important to note, however, that these medications should only be taken as instructed by a doctor or pharmacist, as they can have undesirable side-effects in some people. In addition, some of these medicines, especially those containing large amounts of codeine, can be addictive and should not be taken for long periods of time.
When to Seek Medical Help
Coughing can be very uncomfortable, but it does not always require medical attention. Generally, a cough that is not accompanied by fever or chest pain does not require a medical evaluation. However, if an individual is coughing up blood, or experiencing chest pain or difficulty breathing, it is important that they seek medical attention immediately.
Conclusion
Coughing can be a distressing symptom, and many people choose to drink coffee to help relieve coughing sensation. Whilst there are some potential benefits to drinking coffee while coughing, there is not enough scientific evidence to suggest it is beneficial. Therefore, it is recommended that individuals decide for themselves whether or not to drink coffee while coughing, as it may not be safe for everyone. Lastly, it is important to understand when to seek medical attention, and to remember that coughing is an important mechanism for eliminating foreign bodies and bacteria from the respiratory system.
