It can be difficult to understand why ice-cream makes you cough if you have asthma. The reason for this is largely related to food allergies and aspiration. For more information on this topic, please see our article about Aspiration.
GERD
Ice cream may be one of the foods that trigger GERD. Having some ice cream can be fun, but when you consume it after eating a meal, the acid in your stomach can cause heartburn, sore throat, coughing, and regurgitation.
The good news is that you can control GERD by making some changes in your diet. You don’t need to cut out your favorite foods; however, you should be aware of certain foods and drinks which may worsen your symptoms.
A food diary can help you identify what you are eating. You should keep track of your food intake for a minimum of one week. You may want to reintroduce a food/drink if you notice any changes in your symptoms.
Besides avoiding foods that aggravate your condition, you should also look into other things that can reduce your symptoms. These changes can include a lifestyle and diet change.
Limiting your intake of fat is one of the best ways you can reduce symptoms of GERD. Eating foods high in fat such as cheese, meat, and ice cream can clog your esophagus, which can lead to worsening symptoms. Choose high-fiber, low fat foods instead.
Lactose intolerance
Lactose intolerance refers to a digestive problem in which the body doesn’t produce enough of an enzyme called Lactase to breakdown the sugar in milk. The symptoms vary from person to person. Some people experience bloating, diarrhea, or weight loss when they consume dairy products. Some people may be allergic to dairy products. You can see a doctor if you suspect you may have this condition.
There are many different types of dairy products. Some are easier than others. It is best to read food labels and choose foods with low amounts of lactose. You can also consider taking probiotics to boost your gut’s health.
Gas, bloating, and diarrhea following meals are all signs of lactose intolerance. Frequent diarrhea can cause dehydration and an imbalance of electrolytes in the body. This can cause problems with your bones and muscles.
If you have diarrhea, you should see a doctor. Your doctor will test your body to determine if you have lactose intolerance. They will then make recommendations to help you manage your condition.
Aspiration
You’re familiar with the sensation of ice cream melting in your mouth if you’ve ever tried it. However, you might not know how it can be dangerous. Some people actually die from choking on icecream.
Choking on ice cream can be dangerous because it is so thin that it easily melts in your mouth. When this happens, it can cause aspiration, or the inhalation of liquids or food into your lungs.
It can lead to pneumonia in some people. A cough or a runny nose is a common sign that you’re aspirating. If you suspect you are aspirating, you should consult your doctor.
You’ll need to have an x-ray of your throat to confirm that you’re aspirating. To determine how well your swallowing is working, there are several swallowing tests that you can perform.
Your healthcare provider may recommend that you talk to a speech therapist. This person can assess your swallowing habits and recommend ways to avoid aspiration.
Food allergy
Ice cream is not an ideal dessert to eat when you have a food allergy. Not only does it dry out your mouth, it can also trigger a cough.
This is because some ice creams have milk. For people who are allergic to milk, this can lead to a severe reaction.
Anaphylaxis patients who are allergic to milk should not consume milk. You should always have emergency epinephrine on you and be able to administer it. This will allow you to breathe easier and help prevent a serious attack.
Food allergies are caused by the body’s immune system overreacting to a particular food. Some of the most common allergens include nuts, shellfish, egg, wheat, and soy. Symptoms can start within hours of eating the offending food, but can also occur any time.
If you are concerned about a food allergy, talk with your doctor about allergy testing. A healthcare provider may recommend you start an elimination diet. Also, read the label of all the foods you eat.
