Why It's Not Recommended to Drink Stewed Pear with Rock Sugar When Having a Cough
Generally speaking, there is no saying that "coughing patients should not drink stewed pears with rock sugar." However, for certain conditions such as wind-cold cough, increased mucus production, tuberculosis-related cough, cough caused by gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), or bronchial asthma, consuming stewed pears with rock sugar might lead to adverse effects. If any abnormalities occur, prompt medical attention is advised. Detailed explanations are as follows:
1. Wind-Cold Cough
Wind-cold cough is caused by invasion of wind-cold pathogenic factors and is characterized by symptoms such as coughing, clear and thin phlegm, chills, and fever. Stewed pears with rock sugar are relatively cold in nature, and consuming them may worsen symptoms in patients with wind-cold cough, increasing coughing and phlegm production. Slices of ginger boiled in water with brown sugar, taken while hot, can help expel cold and relieve coughing.
2. Cough with Increased Mucus Production
For coughs accompanied by increased mucus secretion, such as those caused by bronchitis or upper respiratory tract infections, the sugar content in stewed pears may irritate the respiratory tract, further increasing mucus production and thickening the phlegm, which hinders its expulsion. It is recommended to use a humidifier to reduce mucus secretion and drink sufficient water to help thin the phlegm, making it easier to expel.
3. Tuberculosis-Related Cough
Tuberculosis is an infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, characterized by chronic cough and phlegm production. The sugar in stewed pears may promote the proliferation of tuberculosis bacteria, worsening the condition. Therefore, patients with tuberculosis should avoid consuming stewed pears with rock sugar. Medications such as aminocaproic acid tablets, etamsylate tablets, and isoniazid tablets may be used under medical guidance to alleviate cough symptoms.
4. Cough Caused by Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
In patients with GERD, weakened anti-reflux barriers allow stomach contents to flow back into the throat and mouth when lying down, causing coughing. Stewed pears with rock sugar may stimulate gastric acid secretion, worsening reflux symptoms and intensifying coughing. Under medical advice, medications such as omeprazole enteric-coated capsules, hydrotalcite chewable tablets, and mosapride citrate tablets can be used to manage the condition and relieve cough symptoms.
5. Bronchial Asthma Cough
Bronchial asthma is a chronic inflammatory airway disease that can be triggered by various irritants, such as cold air and high-sugar foods. Pears are cold-natured fruits and contain high levels of sugar, which may irritate the respiratory mucosa, triggering or worsening asthma attacks. Exposure to allergens such as pollen and dust should be avoided, and anti-inflammatory and antiallergic medications such as amoxicillin capsules, dexamethasone tablets, and chlorpheniramine and paracetamol tablets may be used under medical supervision for combined therapy.
It is recommended to maintain a healthy lifestyle, ensure adequate sleep, improve dietary habits, regulate physical condition, and prioritize overall health maintenance.