A cough is a common and uncomfortable symptom. While medical interventions are sometimes necessary, simple dietary adjustments, particularly focusing on what you drink, can offer relief by soothing an irritated throat and supporting healing.
Drinks That Bring Relief
Warm liquids are often recommended for coughs as they help thin mucus, making it easier to clear from the airways. Staying well-hydrated with water is foundational, preventing the throat and nose from drying, allowing mucus to remain fluid and easier to expel.
Herbal teas offer specific benefits:
Ginger tea: Contains gingerol, which soothes irritation and airways.
Peppermint tea: Menthol helps open sinuses and provides pain relief.
Chamomile tea: Calms and reduces throat inflammation.
Licorice root tea: Loosens mucus and inhibits bacteria.
Thyme tea: Flavonoids relax throat muscles and reduce inflammation.
A combination of honey and lemon in warm water is a widely used remedy. Honey acts as a natural cough suppressant, coating the throat to ease irritation, and possesses antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory qualities. Lemon contributes vitamin C, which supports immune function, and its acidity helps break down excess mucus. Broths and soups offer hydration, warmth, and essential nutrients and electrolytes. The steam from these hot liquids can also help clear congestion.
Beverages to Limit or Avoid
Certain drinks can worsen a cough or hinder recovery. Caffeinated beverages, such as coffee, tea, and some sodas, act as diuretics. This can lead to dehydration, counteracting the goal of thinning mucus and further irritating a dry throat.
Alcohol has dehydrating effects and can suppress the immune system. Its consumption can impair the body’s ability to fight infections and may reduce the lungs’ capacity to clear mucus, potentially prolonging illness.
Sugary drinks, such as sodas and some fruit juices, can contribute to inflammation. High sugar intake can affect the immune response and increase mucus production.
Very cold drinks can irritate a sensitive throat, triggering a cough reflex. The sudden temperature change can cause throat muscles to contract or lead to bronchospasm, making breathing more difficult. Some individuals, especially those with asthma, find cold beverages worsen their cough.
When to Consult a Doctor
While many coughs resolve with home care, certain signs indicate the need for professional medical attention. If a cough persists for longer than two to three weeks, it warrants a doctor’s visit. A cough lasting over eight weeks is considered chronic and requires evaluation.
Immediate medical consultation is important if the cough is accompanied by:
High or persistent fever
Difficulty breathing
Wheezing
Chest pain
Coughing up thick, discolored mucus (green, yellow, or bloody)
Night sweats
Unexplained weight loss
These symptoms signal a more serious underlying condition requiring diagnosis and treatment.