Alcohol is a commonly consumed drink that can have various effects on the body. One question that often comes up is whether drinking alcohol can cause coughing. In this article, we’ll examine the evidence around alcohol and coughing and provide a conclusion.
Can alcohol cause coughing?
There are a few ways that alcohol may cause coughing:
- Alcohol can irritate the throat – Alcoholic drinks often contain congeners, chemicals produced during fermentation, that can irritate the throat and trigger coughing.
- Alcohol impacts the gag reflex – Drinking alcohol can suppress the gag reflex, allowing liquid to drip down the windpipe and trigger coughing.
- Alcohol dehydrates – Dehydration from alcohol can thicken mucus and make coughs worse.
- Alcohol affects the immune system – Long-term heavy alcohol use impairs immune defenses, potentially increasing susceptibility to respiratory infections that cause coughs.
So in various ways, alcohol appears able to trigger or exacerbate coughing in some individuals. However, the response is not the same for everyone.
Factors that influence alcohol’s effects on coughing
Several factors play a role in determining if and how much alcohol increases coughing:
- Type of alcohol – Darker alcohols like whiskey, rum and red wine tend to have more congeners than clear liquors like vodka and gin. More congeners may mean more irritation and coughing.
- Amount consumed – Consuming more alcohol leads to greater exposure to potential irritants and immune impairment, increasing cough risk.
- Frequency of consumption – Frequent heavy alcohol use has more impact on immune defenses than occasional light drinking.
- Individual sensitivity – Some people may be more prone to alcohol-induced throat irritation and coughs based on anatomy, allergies or other factors.
- Mixers – Beverages like cola can exacerbate dehydration and worsen alcohol-related coughs.
Scientific research on alcohol and coughing
Several scientific studies have investigated connections between alcohol consumption and coughing:
- A 2006 study found alcohol use was linked to a 3-fold increased risk of chronic cough in smokers.
- A 2018 study found people who drank alcohol had more cough symptoms during a respiratory viral infection compared to non-drinkers.
- A 2010 study showed red wine specifically induced coughing in people with asthma due to its high sulfite content.
- A 2017 review concluded both acute and chronic alcohol exposure can worsen cough and impair recovery from respiratory infections.
So overall, there appears to be fairly consistent evidence linking alcohol consumption to increased coughing.
Conclusion
Based on the available research, it seems that alcohol can cause coughing through various mechanisms, especially when consumed heavily and frequently. However, not everyone responds the same way. Moderation is key if alcohol-induced coughing poses an issue for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does alcohol make me cough so much?
Alcohol can induce coughing in several ways: it contains irritating chemicals called congeners that can provoke the throat, it suppresses the gag reflex allowing liquid to enter the airway, it causes dehydration that thickens mucus, and long-term use impairs immune defenses against infections.
Why do I cough after a few sips of alcohol?
A few possible reasons you may cough soon after drinking alcohol include: throat irritation from alcoholic chemicals, especially in beverages like whiskey or wine; feeling an urge to clear your throat from the alcohol sensation; and impaired gag reflex allowing liquids to trickle down your windpipe.
Can I drink if I have a cough?
It’s usually best to avoid alcohol if you have an active cough, as it can worsen and prolong cough symptoms. The dehydration effect of alcohol can make coughs from viral or bacterial illnesses linger longer. Best to wait until your cough fully resolves before drinking alcohol.
What alcohol causes the worst coughing?
Darker, more concentrated alcohols like whiskey, bourbon and red wine tend to provoke more coughing than clear liquors like vodka and gin. This is because they contain higher levels of irritating chemicals called congeners. Beer, margaritas, and other mixers can also exacerbate coughs.
What’s the best alcohol if you have a cough?
If you decide to drink alcohol despite an ongoing cough, clear liquors like vodka and gin tend to cause less throat irritation than darker alcohols. Stay well hydrated and avoid mixers containing caffeine. However, the safest option is to avoid alcohol entirely until your cough has fully resolved.
Ways to prevent alcohol-related coughing
If you experience chronic coughing with alcohol consumption, there are some preventive steps you can take:
- Choose clear liquors like vodka and gin over darker spirits like whiskey and wine.
- Drink in moderation – excessive intake worsens coughs.
- Sip drinks slowly instead of gulping them down.
- Stay well hydrated by drinking water between alcoholic beverages.
- Avoid mixing alcohol with caffeinated soda, coffee or energy drinks as this can worsen dehydration.
- Don’t drink alcohol if you have an active cough, respiratory infection, or allergy flare-up.
- Consider an over-the-counter cough medicine to control coughs if drinking alcohol occasionally.
- Get evaluated for underlying conditions like asthma, acid reflux, or chronic post-nasal drip if alcohol-related coughing persists.
When to see your doctor
See your doctor if alcohol-induced coughing:
- Persists daily even when you’re not drinking.
- Is accompanied by worrisome symptoms like difficulty breathing, fever, or chest pain.
- Interferes with work or relationships.
- Fails to resolve with preventive measures like abstinence, hydration, and OTC cough medication.
Unexplained chronic coughs need medical evaluation to identify any underlying illness. Your doctor can also refer you for alcohol counseling services if habit coughing has become problematic.
Key takeaways
- Alcohol, especially in excess, can induce or worsen coughing through irritation, gag reflex suppression, dehydration and impaired immunity.
- Darker spirits and red wine tend to cause more throat irritation than clear liquors like vodka and gin.
- Alcohol should be avoided during active cough illnesses and allergies.
- Chronic alcohol-related coughing deserves medical evaluation.
- Moderation, hydration, slow sipping, and avoidance of mixers can help prevent alcohol-induced coughing.