Why Does Ice Cream Make Me Cough?

It can be pretty inconvenient for ice cream lovers if you suddenly start coughing after eating your favorite ice cream.

It could be a problem if you cough every time you eat ice cream. Do you have any idea why this coughing triggers when you consume anything cold?

Although coughing occurs when something irritates your throat and causes you to cough to expel it, going through it can be aggravating.

If you have been coughing for a long time, you will need to figure out what is causing it.

Why does ice cream make me cough?

Coughing after eating ice cream could be due to an allergic reaction to any ingredients, reflux, bronchospasm, asthma, mucus hardening, or a superficial throat infection.

Keep reading the article to find out some of the likely reasons ice creams make you cough. Along with this, you will find ways to get rid of such coughs.

7 Reasons Why Ice Cream Make You Cough

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

Another common cause of unexplained coughing after meals is GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease). However, if you first noticed this after eating ice cream on one or two occasions, you may be tempted to blame ice cream.

This reflux irritates the esophageal walls, resulting in cough and chest pain.

Allergy

Many people cough after eating ice cream because of the dairy in it. If you are one of them, you will likely have problems with other dairy products like milk and cheese.

However, if you are not allergic to other dairy products, certain ingredients in the ice cream you are eating may be responsible for your cough.

Asthma

If you have asthma, it is possible that coughing after eating ice cream results from your condition.

Other triggers such as dust, pollen, smoke, and stress, in addition to cold drinks like ice cream, are common causes of allergic reactions in asthma patients.

Infection

Infections can result from various microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses, and they require medical attention to be appropriately treated.

Infections could cause coughing while or after eating foods or drinks in general or cold foods and beverages in particular.

Hard Mucus

When you eat ice cream, it travels down your esophagus and into contact with your trachea, causing your body to cough.

As a result of the ice cream’s cold temperature, the trachea cools, thickening and solidifying the mucus present in the trachea.

Bronchospasm

While asthma and allergies are common causes of bronchospasm, they can also occur in the absence of these conditions, such as in response to cold foods and beverages.

Bronchospasm is the body’s natural reaction to the sudden exposure of your airways to the frigid temperature of the drink when it’s caused by ice cream.

Throat Infection

Your throat has become sensitive and swollen as a result of the infection. During this time, anything cold from nature, such as ice cream, is terrible.

It would only cause bouts of coughing if you ate it. As a result, pay more attention to your throat.

How To Get Rid Of A Cough

Coughing has a variety of causes, but what happens next? Keep reading to check out what you can do to relieve the coughing and make it go away.

Turmeric

Turmeric is one of the oldest ayurvedic spices present in every Indian household. This magical spice can help with various health issues, including cough.

For centuries, this yellow spice has been linked with Ayurveda for treating respiratory and skin diseases. Add a few pinches of turmeric to a glass of warm milk and drink before bed.

Inhale Steam

Taking steam is one of the simplest ways to relieve cough using essential oil. Steam helps because warm air can clear up congestion and soothe the throat.

If you don’t have essential oils, you can even add some Vicks in a bowl of hot water. Lean over the bowl, cover your head with a towel and inhale for 5-7 minutes.

Ginger

Ginger is a superfood that can help with various health issues such as nausea, colds, flu, and cough.

For relieving cough, you can drink some warm ginger tea with honey and pepper. Avoid overconsumption of ginger as it disturbs your internal organs and may lead to heartburn.

Honey

Honey is the oldest cough remedy beneficial to one’s health, as per Ayurveda. However, one should never give it to babies under the age because it can cause infant botulism in some cases.

Add one tablespoon of honey to a cup of herbal tea or warm water and drink it twice a day.

Salt Water Gargle

Gargling is a home remedy for a sore throat that even doctors recommend. Saltwater is osmotic, which simply causes fluid movement to change direction.

Combine 1/4 teaspoon salt in 1.5 cups of warm water for quick relief and gargle with it several times a day.

Licorice Tea

Warm tea made from licorice root is the best remedy for throat irritation.

Boil for 10 to 12 minutes with one teaspoon powdered licorice in 250 mL of water and drink it warm.

Consult A Doctor

An acute cough caused by an irritant, allergens, or infection usually disappears after a few weeks.

However, if it lasts more than two to three weeks and you have a fever, shortness of breath, or chest pain, you should see your doctor.

Conclusion

Coughing in the throat after eating ice cream could result from various factors. It is certainly your body’s way of informing you that something is wrong.

It could be a dairy allergy, acid reflux, or simply a sore throat. Coughing is how your body responds to it. Coughing can either go away on its own or last for a long time, depending on the cause.

You have seen all the tips to stop your mild or minor coughing, the majority of which you can treat at home.