Why should you drink more water during a cough?

During a coughing episode, drinking more water can help dilute phlegm, relieve throat discomfort, promote metabolism, accelerate drug elimination, and maintain body temperature balance. If concerns persist, it is recommended to seek medical advice in advance. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Diluting phlegm: During coughing, drinking more water helps thin the phlegm, making it easier to expel. Phlegm is a liquid secreted by the respiratory mucosa and contains dead cells, bacteria, and other foreign substances. Thinned phlegm becomes more fluid, aiding in its removal through coughing and thus alleviating cough symptoms.

2. Relieving throat discomfort: Coughing is often accompanied by symptoms such as sore throat or dryness and itching. Drinking more water keeps the throat moist, easing discomfort and helping to reduce irritation caused by coughing.

3. Promoting metabolism: Water is essential for human metabolism. Increased water intake promotes the elimination of waste products in the body and accelerates recovery. During a cough, drinking more water helps speed up the metabolism of inflammatory substances and promotes improvement of the condition.

4. Accelerating drug elimination: During coughing episodes, patients may need to take cough suppressants or other related medications. Increased water intake speeds up drug excretion, reducing the time drugs remain in the body and thus lowering potential side effects.

5. Maintaining body temperature balance: During coughing, body temperature may rise due to inflammation or infection. Drinking more water helps regulate body temperature, preventing the worsening of the condition due to elevated temperatures. Additionally, increased water intake maintains the body's fluid balance and prevents dehydration caused by excessive sweating.

Drinking more water can also enhance the body's immunity, helping it better resist viral and bacterial infections. Therefore, it is recommended to drink plenty of water during a coughing episode.

References

[1] Cheng Xu. Treatment of cough from the perspective of "all five zang and six fu organs can cause cough." Journal of Practical Traditional Chinese Medicine, 2011, 27(06): 416-417.

[2] Xia Minfeng. Some antitussive drugs can be addictive; six nursing methods are more effective than medication. Scientific Living, 2025(02): 120-121.