MANY Malaysians will remember their parents telling them to avoid drinking iced water when they have a cough.
A cold drink may be refreshing in hot weather but it is often blamed when a cough lingers.
Does drinking iced water actually make a cough worse?
Verdict:
FALSE, BUT
Drinking iced water does not cause a cough from a cold or make the underlying infection worse.
Most coughs linked to colds and flu are caused by viruses, although some throat infections are caused by bacteria.
A review of medical literature found no evidence that consuming cold food or drinks causes an acute upper respiratory tract infection.
In other words, an iced drink cannot cause a cold or flu simply because of its low temperature.
However, cold drinks may not feel comfortable for those with a sore throat or cough.
Some find that a cold drink briefly irritates an already sensitive throat, triggering a coughing fit.
Others may find cold drinks soothing as cold liquids can numb throat discomfort.
What matters more, however, is to stay hydrated by drinking loads of fluids.
Malaysian clinical guidance on acute sore throat recommends adequate hydration, rest and symptomatic treatment.
However, those with asthma who notice coughing or wheezing after cold drinks should avoid that trigger and discuss it with a healthcare professional.
Those with difficulty breathing or swallowing, blood in saliva or phlegm, dehydration, symptoms that worsen or do not improve, or recurrent sore throats should seek medical advice.
So, iced water is not the cause of a cough – but if it makes your throat feel worse, it might be better to choose a room temperature or warm drink instead.
Sources:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26030031/
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11438446/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9260213/
https://www.cdc.gov/sore-throat/about/index.html
