Why shouldn't you eat salted duck eggs when you have a cough?

May 13, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Ren Yi
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, the statement that salted duck eggs should never be consumed when coughing is too absolute. It is generally not recommended to eat salted duck eggs when experiencing a cough, as they may irritate the respiratory mucosa, increase phlegm production, place additional strain on the kidneys, affect digestive function, and hinder recovery. If symptoms persist or worsen, prompt medical attention is advised. Consuming salted duck eggs while coughing may also interfere with the effectiveness of medications and disease diagnosis.
Under normal circumstances, the statement that salted duck eggs should not be eaten when coughing is too absolute. Eating salted duck eggs generally is not recommended when coughing, as it may irritate the respiratory mucosa, increase phlegm production, burden the kidneys, affect digestive function, and hinder recovery. If symptoms persist, prompt medical attention is advised. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. **Irritation of the respiratory mucosa**: Salted duck eggs are high in salt, which can irritate the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract. When coughing, the respiratory mucosa is already in a sensitive state, and high-salt foods can further stimulate the mucosa, leading to more frequent and severe coughing. 2. **Increased phlegm production**: A high-salt diet may also cause increased phlegm production, making the phlegm thicker and harder to expel. This not only affects the patency of the airway but may also worsen cough symptoms and prolong the illness. 3. **Increased kidney burden**: Excessive salt intake from salted duck eggs can increase the burden on the kidneys. During a cough, the body's immune system is active, and all organs are working to combat the illness. If too much salt is consumed at this time, the kidneys must work harder to excrete the excess salt, which may affect their normal function and hinder recovery. 4. **Impaired digestive function**: Digestive function may be somewhat affected during a cough. Salted duck eggs contain high levels of fat and cholesterol, and consuming them may加重 gastrointestinal burden, causing indigestion and other issues. This not only affects nutrient absorption and utilization but may also further worsen cough symptoms. 5. **Unfavorable for recovery**: The high salt, fat, and cholesterol content in salted duck eggs is not conducive to the recovery from respiratory illnesses such as coughing. During a cough, patients should choose bland, easily digestible foods to reduce the body's burden and promote recovery. In addition to the reasons mentioned above, eating salted duck eggs while coughing may also affect the efficacy of medications and disease diagnosis. Therefore, during a cough, patients should try to avoid consuming high-salt, high-fat, and high-cholesterol foods like salted duck eggs.

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