Can I eat ice cream for a hot cough?
Disease description:
I am 23 years old. Recently, I caught a heat-induced cold and have been suffering from a severe hot cough. However, it's been so hot lately that I really feel like eating ice cream. I wonder if it's okay to eat ice cream when having a hot cough?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Ren Yi
Under normal circumstances, it is not recommended to eat ice cream when experiencing a hot-type cough.
Ice cream is a cold-natured food, and consumption may irritate the throat and tracheal mucosa, causing mucosal contraction, which can worsen cough symptoms. Although patients with hot-type cough have internal heat pathogens, the cold nature of ice cream cannot effectively clear internal heat, and may instead exacerbate discomfort due to irritation. Cold foods may also increase the viscosity of phlegm, making it harder to expel, thus prolonging the duration of the cough. During a cough, the functions of the spleen and stomach are relatively weakened; consuming cold foods like ice cream may further impair the spleen and stomach, disrupt normal transformation and transportation functions, and hinder recovery.
It is recommended to consume foods that help clear heat and resolve phlegm, such as pears, loquats, pomelos, and vegetables like winter melon and bitter melon. Avoid spicy, greasy, and irritating foods that may worsen cough symptoms. Drinking plenty of water helps thin mucus, facilitating its removal and relieving cough symptoms. Additionally, depending on the condition, consultation with a physician or pharmacist regarding appropriate medication is advised.
