Can chewing gum actually help quiet a persistent cough? While chewing gum is not a medication designed to treat the underlying cause of a cough, the mechanical action and specific ingredients can provide temporary soothing effects. The effectiveness of this remedy depends heavily on the type of cough and the gum’s composition. To understand if this method works, it is necessary to examine the physiological response chewing triggers. This article explores the scientific evidence behind this low-cost intervention.
The Mechanism: How Saliva Production Soothes Coughs
The physical act of chewing serves as the foundational mechanism for cough relief by stimulating the salivary glands. This mastication significantly boosts the production rate of saliva. Increased saliva production lubricates the pharynx and esophagus, coating the irritated tissues that often trigger a cough reflex.
A dry or irritated throat surface initiates the involuntary cough. Coating this area with lubricating saliva provides a temporary physical barrier, which dampens the irritation and reduces the impulse to cough. Furthermore, the repetitive motion of chewing may influence the vagus nerve, which plays a role in regulating the cough reflex. The increased swallowing frequency helps to clear any accumulated irritants from the throat.
Specific Ingredients That Enhance Relief
Beyond the simple mechanical benefit of chewing, certain gum additives provide a distinct chemical pathway for further cough relief. Ingredients such as menthol and eucalyptus, commonly found in cold-relief gums, are known to act as mild counter-irritants. Menthol chemically triggers the cold-sensitive TRPM8 receptors in the mouth and throat, producing a cooling sensation.
This cooling effect provides a temporary local anesthetic quality that can soothe minor throat irritation and suppress the urge to cough. Eucalyptus provides a similar sensation and is often included to enhance the soothing effect on the respiratory passages. This type of relief is purely sensory and temporary, complementing the physical lubrication of saliva.
Gum as a Strategy for Acid Reflux Cough
One scientifically supported use of chewing gum involves chronic coughs related to silent acid reflux, or laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR). Reflux occurs when stomach contents back up into the esophagus, irritating the sensitive lining of the throat and larynx. This irritation can lead to a persistent, dry, or throat-clearing cough.
Chewing gum directly addresses this cause by significantly increasing the production of alkaline saliva. Saliva contains bicarbonate, a natural buffer that helps neutralize the acidity of refluxate that reaches the throat. The increased volume of saliva, coupled with frequent swallowing, helps physically wash the acidic contents back down into the stomach. This enhanced esophageal clearance rate is particularly effective for reducing postprandial (after-meal) reflux.
Studies show that chewing sugar-free gum for about 30 minutes after a meal can reduce the time the esophagus is exposed to acid. The best practice is to choose a sugar-free variety, as sugar feeds bacteria and can lead to dental decay. Individuals with reflux-related cough should avoid mint-flavored gums, as ingredients like peppermint can sometimes relax the lower esophageal sphincter, potentially worsening the reflux.