Since we were young, we have heard our parents tell us not to drink cold water because it’s bad for us. But how true is that? Just like our parents, doctors are also clear: the consumption of cold liquids can negatively affect the natural defenses of a baby’s upper airways. That’s because low temperatures tend to inhibit some of the defense mechanisms, especially of the nose, throat, and bronchi.
Is there a right age to start having cold drinks?
Due to the negative consequences, doctors recommend that babies only have cold liquids after the first year of life. And only after 3 years old, and when there are no respiratory tract infections, are children allowed to have cold drinks or even drinks with ice cubes and ice cream, as long as it’s not too often1.
If the child isn’t in good health, the old recommendation of mixing cold water with room temperature water still stands. Before this age, juices and teas given to babies should be consumed at room temperature or just slightly cool.
That’s because babies who are breastfed at the breast only know the temperature of breast milk and will probably find a cooler drink strange or even refuse it.
When a child is having coughing fits, it’s recommended they drink plenty of water, keeping a few points in mind: if the weather is cold and the body is cold, icy drinks will make the cough worse.
Lung cilia2, responsible for expectoration, struggle with low temperatures, which change the movement of mucus. Sometimes, however, coughing is caused by irritation in the upper airways. In these situations, cold can actually help, as it causes the blood vessels to contract.
The problem isn’t about what to do when coughing, but whether drinking cold drinks causes coughs. That depends on what’s causing the illness. If it’s an asthma attack, it makes no difference. If it’s sinusitis, with secretions dripping from the sinuses through the back of the throat to the glottis, which then triggers coughing, cold drinks make it worse.
Is Eating or Drinking Cold Things Bad for the Throat?
There is no consensus among specialists about this issue. Although some say that cold food and drinks don’t cause sore throats—since only infectious agents can trigger an infection—most agree and clearly state that not only can it, but it really does hurt the throat.
That’s because both cold foods and cold drinks cause congestion of the respiratory mucosa. The respiratory mucosa is a protective layer covering the respiratory tract (or tissue) that serves as a defense mechanism against infections3.
When this mucosa gets congested (or shrinks), it exposes the respiratory lining to possible infectious agents, making it easier for viruses and bacteria to attack and cause throat infections.
Moreover, when we have cold drinks during the summer, we are more likely to suffer recurring sore throats. That’s because in the summer, we tend to drink larger amounts of extremely cold liquids, leading to a constant attack on the respiratory system.
These infections also take longer to heal, because most people crave and continue to drink cold drinks even when they are sick, which delays the whole recovery process.
The only way to change this is by improving immunity and staying away from very cold foods and drinks. Another great way to keep throat infections at bay is to avoid consuming very cold things right after coming from a hot place. For example, avoid drinking a glass of cold water as soon as you come in from the heat outside.
Tip for Consuming Cold Drinks
Instead, let your body cool down first, then slowly sip the drink, letting it sit in your mouth for a moment before swallowing. This way, the liquid warms up a little and doesn’t cause as much harm as drinking it directly.
Why do doctors prescribe ice cream after tonsil surgery?
Throat surgery involves removing the tonsils. So, immediately after this procedure, the area where the tonsils were becomes inflamed, swollen, and sore.
And “ice” is an excellent anti-inflammatory and pain reliever; therefore, it improves the local conditions and relieves pain. That’s why doctors promise ice cream to children who have their tonsils removed.
Once the difficulties of recovery are overcome, ice cream becomes an acceptable food option, since it’s much more pleasant to suck on an ice cream than on an ice cube, right?
Why does the throat get inflamed?
“Sore throat” is a popular term for throat infections. Throat inflammation can have many causes, such as exposure to cold, eating or drinking very cold foods or drinks, during a cold, or as a symptom of illnesses such as pharyngitis, tonsillitis, and other viral or bacterial infections.
The mucosa lining the throat has a very strong defense mechanism. When we damage it—whether due to ambient temperature, consuming something very cold, or even because we are breathing incorrectly—
It can also happen if we come into contact with allergens; this defense can decrease and viral and bacterial agents may get a chance to attack and cause a sore throat.
Children usually refuse food when they have a sore throat, and this is a sign to pay attention to, as it means they are experiencing pain when eating.
When a sore throat lasts more than three days, it can become a problem, because proper nutrition is also part of the treatment, combining anti-inflammatory foods and plenty of fluids.
See Also: How to Boost Immunity in Children
Photos: Nikon D90
