The Science Behind Why Ice Cream Makes You Cough & How To Avoid It

Do you often cough up mucus when you eat ice cream? Does it seem a problem for you, no matter what you do? If so, you’re not alone. Almost everyone coughs when they eat ice cream, and the reasons vary. In this blog post, we’ll explore the science behind ice cream coughing and try to determine why it happens. We’ll also provide some tips on avoiding coughing ice cream and dealing with the problem if it does occur. So read on to learn all about ice cream coughing – hopefully, you can enjoy your ice cream without coughing up mucus!

8 Reasons Why Ice Cream Makes You Cough

It’s no secret that ice cream makes you cough – in fact, it’s practically a meme. But why is this the case? Well, there are many reasons, some of which are explained below.

Allergy

There are a lot of people out there who suffer from allergies. This is because dairy proteins can trigger an allergic reaction in some people. When exposed to dairy proteins, sufferers might experience sneezing, coughing, and runny nose. Thankfully, these symptoms usually go away after a few hours if you don’t have an asthma attack or get too sick. If you notice that you react badly to dairy products, the best way to avoid getting sick is by reading the ingredients list before making any purchase and steering clear of products with dairy proteins. You can also try freezing your ice cream instead of eating it straight from the carton – this will reduce your chances of exposure to dairy proteins altogether!

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a condition in which the acid from foods that are discharged from the stomach enters and irritates the esophagus, leading to heartburn. Foods that are high in lactose, such as dairy products, can be particularly harmful to people with GERD. Eating smaller and more frequent meals will help reduce the amount of time you spend eating dairy products and prevent reflux symptoms. Additionally, proton pump inhibitors or H2 blockers can be used to treat GERD if it is severe.

Asthma

Asthma is a long-term condition that causes difficulty in breathing. It can be triggered by dairy products such as ice cream, cheese, and yogurt. The most common culprits are cow’s milk, cheese, and yogurt. You can reduce your risk of asthma by eating moderate amounts of dairy products and avoiding processed foods. Make sure to avoid ice cream late at night as it is likely to be higher in sugar content and cause more coughing episodes.

Infection

Ice cream is a delicious treat but can also cause throat infections. Consuming high amounts of sugar in ice cream can lead to an oral bacterial infection (OBI). This type of infection thrives in warm and moist environments, making eating ice cream regularly risky. Besides increasing your chances of getting OBI, indulging too often in this sweet foodstuff could also aggravate other health conditions such as asthma or allergies. So, if you’re looking for ways to beat the cold blues, skip the ice cream and indulge in some hot soup instead!

Hard Mucus

If you’re experiencing a lot of mucus production, it’s likely due to your dairy products. Casein proteins are the main culprits behind this problem, and avoiding dairy products altogether can help prevent hard mucus from forming. Milk, cheese, etcetera, all have high levels of casein proteins which cause excessive mucus secretion. Dairy products are especially harmful to people with allergies as these types of proteins can trigger an allergic reaction in those people easily.

Bronchospasm

Bronchospasm is a condition in which the muscle cells in the lungs become inflamed and restrict airflow. This can cause coughing, difficulty breathing, chest pain, and even pneumonia. If you suffer from bronchospasm after eating ice cream, some over-the-counter cough medicines may help relieve your symptoms. Robitussin DM (dextromethorphan) or Phenergan (promethazine) are two of these medications.

Throat Infection

If you are experiencing irritation in your throat, it is best to avoid ice cream altogether. This delicious treat is high in dairy products which can cause a throat infection. Another way to reduce your risk of getting a throat infection from ice cream is by opting for low-fat or no-fat milk instead of regular milk when making the food item yourself.

How To Get Rid Of A Cough

Here are a few things you can do to help get rid of your cough quickly:

Turmeric

Adding turmeric to your diet can be a great way to relieve coughs and other respiratory problems. Turmeric is a powerful anti-inflammatory agent that has been shown to improve airflow and reduce coughing frequency in people with asthma. Additionally, foods high in fiber intake are important as they help keep you feeling full so you don’t snack on unhealthy foods. Drinking plenty of water will also help flush out any toxins that might be causing inflammation. Finally, avoid drinking carbonated drinks as these contain harmful chemicals that can aggravate conditions like asthma or allergies.

Ginger

Ginger is one of the most versatile and healthy spices around. Its properties can help you get over a cough quickly, add flavor to your drink or food, and even fight off infection. Here are four tips on how to use ginger effectively:

1. Drink ginger juice or tea before bedtime to ease coughing symptoms and improve sleep quality.
2. Add fresh ginger slices or ground Ginger into your beverage of choice for extra potency and zing!
3. If tablets or capsules aren’t your things, try taking up herbal remedies like ginger capsules that provide relief without any harsh side effects. And for people with asthma who struggle with oral medications, ginger has been found helpful in controlling symptoms and inflammation.
4. Always consult a doctor before starting any new diet/health program – including supplementing with Ginger – just to be on the safe side

Licorice Tea

Licorice tea is a great way to get rid of a cough. It works by soothing the throat and reducing inflammation, two things that help to kickstart coughing fits into remission. Just mix 2 teaspoons of licorice powder with 8 ounces of cold water and drink it right away. Don’t overdo it – drinking too much licorice tea can worsen your cough!

Inhale Steam

If you’re feeling a cold coming on, make sure to take some preventive measures. When your body produces more mucus, it’s a sign that the cold is close by. This thick fluid contains bacteria and other toxins that can cause coughing. Try inhaling steam baths or taking over-the-counter cough medicines to get rid of the mucus quickly and safely. Make sure to drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration – this can lead to complications such as bronchitis or pneumonia.

Consult A Doctor

You should consult a doctor if you have been coughing for more than two weeks. Fast Track Urgent Care offers a cough clinic to help people get the necessary relief.

Conclusion

You can do several different things to relieve your coughing and get your cold under control. Consult a doctor if it has been going on for more than two weeks or if the cough is severe. Over-the-counter cough medicines and inhaling steam may help you get relief quickly but always consult a healthcare professional before taking any new measures.