Why shouldn’t children with cough drink pear water?
Mar 31, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Ma Yan
Introduction
Children with coughs may drink an appropriate amount of pear water. There is no scientific evidence supporting the claim that children with coughs should avoid pear water. Pears have the effect of moistening the lungs and relieving coughs; therefore, children may drink a moderate amount of pear water during cough episodes to effectively alleviate cough symptoms. When preparing pear water, a small amount of rock sugar may be added, as rock sugar helps dissolve phlegm.
Coughing is a protective reflex that helps prevent the inhalation of foreign objects, avoids accumulation of bronchial secretions, and clears mucus to reduce the risk of secondary respiratory tract infections. So why shouldn’t children drink pear water when they have a cough? Below, we address this question.
Why shouldn’t children drink pear water when they have a cough?
Children with coughs may drink moderate amounts of pear water. There is no scientific evidence supporting the claim that children with coughs should avoid pear water.
Pears possess lung-moistening and cough-suppressing properties; thus, consuming moderate amounts of pear water during cough episodes can effectively alleviate cough symptoms. When preparing pear water, a small amount of rock sugar may be added—rock sugar helps resolve phlegm, thereby enhancing the therapeutic effect when combined with pears. Moreover, stewing pears with rock sugar can effectively relieve sore throat and pharyngeal swelling.
Drinking moderate amounts of pear water during cough episodes may serve as an adjunctive supportive measure. However, pharmacological treatment under medical supervision remains essential—for example, ambroxol hydrochloride oral solution or pediatric antitussive syrup. Additionally, children should not consume excessive amounts of pear water, as this may overburden the gastrointestinal system and cause indigestion.
In daily life, include vitamin- and protein-rich foods in the child’s diet—such as eggs, milk, lean meat, tomatoes, and apples—to promote recovery and strengthen immune resistance.
The above outlines the rationale behind the misconception that children with coughs should avoid pear water. We hope this information is helpful to you.
