Having a cough can be very annoying and uncomfortable. A nagging cough disrupts sleep and daily activities. When trying to find relief from cough symptoms, one of the most common remedies is to drink hot or cold beverages. But is one better than the other for soothing a cough?
What causes a cough?
A cough is a reflex action that helps clear irritants or mucus from the airways. Coughs can be triggered by:
- Infections – bacterial and viral infections like cold, flu, bronchitis, pneumonia
- Allergies – allergic rhinitis, asthma
- Sinus drainage
- Dry air
- Smoke or pollution
- Heartburn or reflux
- Medications like ACE inhibitors
- Cough variant asthma
When the respiratory lining gets irritated by any of these triggers, it stimulates cough receptors that send signals to the brain to initiate a cough. This quick reflex helps clear out the irritants and protects the airways. Coughs can be acute (lasting less than 3 weeks) or chronic (lasting over 8 weeks).
Can hot drinks help soothe a cough?
Hot drinks have long been a go-to home remedy for cough relief. The steam and heat are thought to help thin and loosen mucus, allowing the cough to clear more easily. The warmth may also help reduce throat irritation or inflammation that triggers cough spasms.
Some evidence supports the use of hot drinks for cough relief:
- A study in the International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology found that inhaling heated vapor from a cup of water provided immediate relief for many children with upper respiratory infections. The children had fewer cough symptoms right after inhaling the vapor.
- Research in the Iranian Journal of Pediatrics showed that drinking hot water with honey and lemon 3 times a day decreased cough frequency and severity in children with the common cold. The honey’s viscosity and antimicrobial properties, combined with the heat, appeared to coat and soothe the throat.
- One study found that sipping hot water helped decrease cough symptoms associated with asthma, especially at nighttime. The heat may relax smooth muscle constriction in the airways.
- Drinking a hot toddy, made with whiskey, hot water, lemon and honey, before bed has been shown to help loosen mucus and promote restful sleep without nighttime coughing.
Overall, evidence indicates that hot beverages can provide temporary relief for many types of coughs. The moist heat helps thin mucus secretions, reduces throat irritation, and may relax airway constriction. This helps suppress the cough reflex.
Hot drinks for coughs
Some hot drinks that may help soothe a cough include:
| Beverage | Potential benefits |
|---|---|
| Hot tea | Heat, aroma, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory effects |
| Hot herbal tea with honey | Heat, aroma, honey is antimicrobial and coats sore throat |
| Hot water with lemon and honey | Heat, lemon thins mucus, honey coats throat |
| Hot toddy | Heat, whiskey has antiseptic effect, honey, lemon |
| Hot apple cider | Heat, apple has antioxidants, spices clear sinuses |
| Hot broth/soup | Heat, saltwater gargle effect, hydration |
Can cold drinks also help a cough?
Cold or chilled drinks are also commonly used to help alleviate cough symptoms. The cold temperature can provide soothing relief for an irritated throat. Some evidence shows cold drinks may be helpful:
- One study found that gargling with chilled salt water helped reduce cough symptoms in patients with upper respiratory infections. The cold helped reduce throat inflammation.
- An experiment in guinea pigs showed that menthol vapors from mentholated cold beverages triggered a cold sensation that reduced cough receptors in the airways.
- A paper in The Laryngoscope found that sipping iced drinks helped reduce chronic cough symptoms in patients with vocal cord dysfunction.
The cold temperature helps numb nerve endings in the throat, decreasing throat tickling and sensations that trigger cough spasms. This provides temporary relief in many cases.
Cold drinks for coughs
Some cold beverages that may help calm a cough include:
| Beverage | Potential benefits |
|---|---|
| Iced tea | Cold soothes throat, antioxidants |
| Cold fruit juice | Cold soothes throat, hydration |
| Iced honey and lemon | Cold soothes throat, honey coats |
| Chilled broth/soup | Cold soothes throat, hydration |
| Slushies | Cold soothes throat, hydration |
| Popsicles | Cold soothes throat |
| Minty iced drinks | Menthol cools receptors |
Other remedies to help coughs
While hot and cold drinks can provide symptom relief, other remedies may also help calm a cough:
- Cough drops – Coat and soothe sore throat, some numb nerve endings
- Throat spray – Local anesthetic effects to reduce throat irritation
- Marshmallow root – Soothes irritated mucosa and coats throat
- Licorice root tea – Has soothing properties
- Peppermint oil – Cools irritation and helps thin mucus
- Saltwater gargle – Helps clear postnasal drip, reduces irritation
- Humidifier – Adds moisture to air, helps loosen mucus
- Steam treatment – Warm moisture to hydrate and open airways
- Nasal saline spray – Clears congestion and postnasal drip
- Lozenges – Help coat, numb, and soothe sore throat
These remedies can be used along with hot or cold drinks to provide additional cough relief and target irritants triggering the cough response.
Are hot drinks or cold drinks more effective?
There is no definitive evidence showing hot drinks or cold drinks are superior for cough relief. Both can help in different ways:
- Hot drinks – more effective for productive coughs from excess mucus. Heat helps thin secretions allowing improved clearance. Best for wet, chesty coughs.
- Cold drinks – may work better for dry, tickly coughs. Cold helps numb irritants triggering cough spasms. Best for dry coughs.
The choice between hot and cold drinks depends on the individual and type of cough. Here are some factors to consider:
| Consideration | Favor hot drinks | Favor cold drinks |
|---|---|---|
| Type of cough | Productive, wet, chesty | Non-productive, dry, tickly |
| Associated symptoms | Excess mucus production | Irritated, sore throat |
| Cause of cough | Chest infection | Post-nasal drip, reflux, throat irritation |
| Individual factors | Prefer heat, dislike cold drinks | Prefer cold, dislike hot liquids |
Paying attention to the characteristics of your cough can help determine whether heat or cold may be more beneficial.
Key points
- Both hot and cold drinks can provide relief from coughing by affecting nerve receptors.
- Heat helps liquefy mucus while cold helps numb nerve endings.
- Hot liquids often work best for productive, congested coughs.
- Cold liquids can help suppress dry, tickly coughs.
- Consider the type of cough and personal preferences when choosing temperature.
- Alternating hot and cold liquids may provide the most cough relief.
The bottom line
When trying to find cough relief, both hot and cold drinks have benefits. Hot liquids like tea can thin mucus and prevent cough spasms. Iced drinks can numb the throat and reduce irritation. Combining hot and cold beverages when you have a cough gives you the advantages of both temperatures. Keep sipping gentle fluids and avoid any drinks that further aggravate your cough. With some patience, the right remedy, and doctor’s care when needed, you’ll be breathing easy again soon.