Ice Cream Consumption and Coughing: A HNO Specialist discusses the possible reasons for this phenomenon
Munching on Ice Cream, Coughing Right Back? Here's the Scoop
Ever found yourself battling a coughing fit while savoring a cold scoop or two? It's a common quandary as delicious as ice cream itself. But why does this happen? Let's talk about it!
Bernhard Junge-Hülsing, an expert ENT specialist in Starnberg, explains that coughing is primarily triggered by intense stimuli. According to him, these can be foreign bodies or sudden temperature changes, like the extreme cold of your favorite ice cream cone.
Your body responds to this strong chill with a reflex arc, mediated through the nerves and vessels associated with swallowing. In essence, the nerves detect a stimulus, and the vessels contract in response. This contraction can cause the body to cough, or in some cases, lead to a sharp headache.
"No need to worry - just take it slow!" says Junge-Hülsing. If you're one of those folks who cough while chomping on ice cream, there's no reason to panic. It's merely a sign that your nerve supply is functioning correctly and reflex arcs are doing their job.
The coughing and even the headache can be avoided by adopting a slower pace when devouring your ice cream treat. Try nibbling on smaller pieces or lick away instead of taking a huge bite. This gives your body time to acclimate to the cold, eliminating the need for that unpleasant reflex.
Fun Facts!- Did you know that your body's coughing reflex can be linked to cold sensitivity and temperature changes?- Sometimes, reflux or Laryngopharyngeal Reflux (LPR) can exacerbate when consuming rich, cold foods like ice cream, resulting in a cough.- Dairy products like ice cream might increase mucus production in some individuals, particularly those with respiratory issues such as asthma, leading to throat irritation and coughing.- People with pre-existing conditions like asthma or chronic bronchitis may have extra sensitive airways and are more prone to coughing when exposed to cold or certain foods.
In essence, coughing while eating ice cream is usually linked to cold sensitivity, reflux, or increased mucus production from dairy. To reduce throat irritation and coughing, try eating slowly, choosing non-dairy options, and addressing any underlying health concerns. Happy ice cream eating! 🍦😷
- It's worth noting that the body's coughing reflex is often connected to cold sensitivity and temperature changes, as explained by Bernhard Junge-Hülsing, an expert ENT specialist.
- For individuals who experience coughing while consuming ice cream, it could be due to cold sensitivity, reflux, or increased mucus production from dairy, as pointed out in the fun facts section.
- To maintain health-and-wellness and reduce coughing when eating ice cream, one can practice slower eating habits or opt for non-dairy alternatives, and address any underlying health concerns related to mental-health, fitness-and-exercise, or nutrition.
