Coughing when consuming cold foods or drinks is an annoying but common condition called cold-induced cough or airway cold receptors hypersensitivity. It occurs when cold temperatures irritate nerves in the back of the throat, triggering coughing. This reflex protects the airway but can disrupt meals. Thankfully, understanding the causes and treatments can help minimize coughing.
What Causes a Cold-Induced Cough?
When something cold touches the back of your throat, it activates cold receptors which alert the brain of potential danger. The brain responds by stimulating nerves that control breathing and coughing. This reflex prompts a cough to “clear” the irritant.
Some potential causes include:
Increased Cold Receptor Sensitivity
Some people have heightened responsiveness or increased density of cold receptors. This magnifies the cold sensation, making coughing more likely. Dental erosion, vocal cord dysfunction, and recurring laryngitis can increase receptor sensitivity.
Swallowing Disorders
Problems with swallowing coordination may allow food/liquid to touch more cold receptors. Disorders like dysphagia, cleft palate, and hiatal hernias increase risk of aspiration, triggering coughing.
Allergies and Asthma
Chronic inflammation from allergies or asthma can make airways hypersensitive. Any irritation like cold items can trigger exaggerated coughing.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
When stomach acid flows up into the esophagus, it can stimulate throat nerves. Consuming cold items may exacerbate this, sparking coughing fits.
Who is Most Susceptible?
While anyone can experience cold-induced coughing, some groups are more prone:
- People with chronic lung conditions like asthma, COPD, or cystic fibrosis
- Those with airway nerve disorders like vocal cord dysfunction
- Individuals with chronic acid reflux or GERD
- People with recurrent sinus infections or postnasal drip
- Those with swallowing problems or dysphagia
- People who smoke or vape
Frequency also tends to increase with age as airway nerves become more sensitive.
How Do I Know if It’s Serious?
Occasional coughing from cold foods is normal. But if it becomes severe or disruptive, see a doctor to identify potential underlying issues.
Warning signs of a serious problem include:
- Frequent coughing bouts at every meal
- Coughing to the point of gagging or vomiting
- Difficulty catching your breath during coughs
- Coughing up blood or excess mucus
- Hoarse voice, sore throat or unintended weight loss
- Swallowing becoming difficult or painful
Persistent cough alongside these red flags may indicate an underlying chronic condition requiring evaluation. Don’t hesitate to get checked out.
Diagnosing the Cause
To determine the reason behind cold-induced coughing, doctors may use:
Physical Exam
Looking for signs of illness and listening to the lungs/airways.
Imaging Tests
Like a CT scan to examine sinuses, chest, and stomach. Helps identify structural issues.
Endoscopy
A camera on a tube inserted in the nose/throat lets doctors view the esophagus, stomach, and larynx. Checks for inflammation.
Swallowing Study
You swallow barium dye while x-rays track it. Checks for aspiration.
Lung Function Tests
You breathe into a machine to measure airway obstruction. Assesses asthma/COPD.
Reflux Monitoring
A probe placed via endoscopy measures acid levels. Confirms reflux diagnosis.
Identifying contributing conditions is key for proper treatment.
How Can I Prevent Cold-Induced Coughing?
You can reduce annoying coughing spells with simple lifestyle changes:
- Take small sips of cold drinks
- Add ice gradually to drinks instead of all at once
- Pre-warm silverware used for cold foods in hot water
- Use a straw to bypass the back of your throat
- Drink warm beverages before and after cold drinks
- Suck on lozenges to numb the throat temporarily
- Try over-the-counter anesthetic throat sprays as needed
Avoiding triggers like ice cream, popsicles, and slushies may help too. Introducing cold items slowly lets your throat adapt and reduces coughing frequency.
Medical Treatments for Cold-Induced Cough
If lifestyle measures aren’t enough, doctors may prescribe:
Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs)
PPIs reduce stomach acid production. This relieves reflux irritation of the throat.
H2 Blockers
These decrease acid secretion in the stomach. They provide an alternative to PPIs.
Baclofen
This muscle relaxant may calm reflexes and reduce coughing spells.
Speech Therapy
Swallowing exercises can retrain muscles and nerves. Prevents aspiration triggering coughs.
Neuromodulators
Nerve blocking drugs like gabapentin quiet airway nerve sensitivity.
Finding the optimal treatment takes some trial and error. Certain dietary modifications may also help.
Diet Changes to Minimize Cold-Induced Cough
Diet can impact reflux, asthma, and other cough triggers. Some beneficial adjustments include:
- Avoiding acidic foods like citrus, tomatoes, and vinegar
- Limiting trigger foods like chocolate, caffeine, alcohol and spicy cuisine
- Eating smaller, more frequent meals instead of large volumes
- Restricting intake 2-3 hours before bedtime
- Staying hydrated and drinking plenty of water
- Thickening liquids to make them easier to swallow
- Quitting smoking and vaping, which aggravate coughing
A nutritionist can provide personalized diet advice to control symptoms.
When Should I See a Doctor?
Consult your physician if you:
- Cough frequently when consuming any cold foods/drinks
- Experience severe, disruptive coughing episodes
- Cough to the point of gagging, trouble breathing, or vomiting
- Have difficulty swallowing or painful swallowing
- Have heartburn, hoarse voice, unexplained weight loss or appetite changes
- Still cough persistently despite self-care remedies
While occasional coughing can be normal, chronic cold-induced cough may indicate an underlying problem needing diagnosis. Don’t ignore red flags.
Key Points
- Coughing with cold intake is caused by irritation of airway nerves
- Medical conditions like GERD, asthma, and nerve disorders increase risk
- Preventive measures include sipping slowly, pre-warming utensils, and sucking on throat lozenges
- PPIs, diet changes, and speech therapy may help treat chronic cases
- See a doctor if coughing becomes frequent or severe despite home remedies
The Bottom Line
Coughing from cold food or drinks is common but annoying. While rarely serious on its own, chronic severe coughing may indicate an underlying medical problem needing evaluation. Trying simple home remedies can help reduce frequency. But don’t ignore red flags requiring doctor’s attention. Identifying and managing contributing conditions is key to limiting coughing and enjoying meals comfortably.