What is the reason for coughing immediately after eating ice cream following exercise?

Generally, coughing immediately after eating ice cream following exercise may be caused by factors such as cold-heat stimulation, rapid airway contraction, throat sensitivity, allergic cough, or chronic pharyngitis. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly, identify the underlying cause, and undergo symptomatic treatment under a doctor's guidance. The specific analysis is as follows:

1. Cold-heat Stimulation: After exercise, the body produces more heat, and the throat and airways are in a state of dilation and congestion. Eating ice cream immediately afterward can stimulate the mucous membranes due to significant temperature differences, triggering coughing accompanied by throat discomfort. Symptoms usually ease once the stimulus is removed. It is advisable to rest for 10-15 minutes after exercising, drink a small amount of warm water to relieve thirst, wait until the body temperature drops slightly before consuming ice cream, and eat only small amounts at a time to reduce irritation.

2. Rapid Airway Contraction: During exercise, breathing quickens and the airways are in an open state. The cold stimulation from ice cream can cause sudden contraction of the airway smooth muscles, leading to coughing, often in the form of paroxysmal dry cough without other obvious symptoms. Avoid consuming cold foods immediately after exercise. When coughing occurs, stop eating temporarily, practice slow deep breathing to regulate breathing rhythm, or drink warm water to relieve airway spasms and reduce coughing.

3. Throat Sensitivity: Individuals with inherently sensitive throat mucosa may experience dryness after exercise. The dual stimulation of coldness and sweetness from ice cream can trigger coughing and throat itching, with a tendency to feel discomfort easily when exposed to irritants. After exercise, avoid consuming overly sweet or icy ice cream; instead, choose foods at room temperature or slightly cool. When throat discomfort occurs, use watermelon frost lozenges or Jin Shengzi throat tablets to maintain throat moisture.

4. Allergic Cough: Some individuals may be allergic to ingredients in ice cream such as milk or additives. Following exercise, temporary fluctuations in immunity can make allergic reactions more likely, causing persistent coughing accompanied by throat itching and sneezing, with a possible history of allergies. After identifying the allergen, avoid ice cream containing that ingredient. During coughing episodes, follow medical advice to use anti-allergy medications such as Levocetirizine Dihydrochloride Tablets, Loratadine Syrup, or Montelukast Sodium Chewable Tablets to alleviate symptoms.

5. Chronic Pharyngitis: In individuals with chronic throat inflammation, mucosal congestion may worsen after exercise, and ice cream stimulation can exacerbate the inflammatory response, causing coughing accompanied by a foreign body sensation in the throat, increased secretions, and more noticeable coughing upon waking or after exposure to irritants. Patients should reduce intake of cold foods like ice cream, follow medical advice to use Compound Borax Mouthwash for gargling, and take oral medications such as Pharyngitis Tablets or Qing Hou Li Yan Granules to reduce throat inflammation and minimize cough triggers.

In daily routines after exercise, it's important to plan meals reasonably and avoid consuming cold foods immediately. Instead, choose mild foods like bread or bananas to replenish energy. During exercise, breathe through the nose to reduce direct cold air irritation to the throat, maintain healthy throat mucosa, and reduce the likelihood of coughing.