Is Coffee Bad For Cough And Cold?

Find out if coffee is bad for cough and cold!

Key highlights or summary

  • Colds are caused by more than 200 viruses.
  • Both caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee boost alertness in a cold.
  • The honey-coffee combination can effectively treat persistent cough.
  • Limiting caffeine-containing beverages to one or two cups daily may help with reflux. 

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Frequently asked questions

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Caffeine in coffee can cause dehydration. This can lead to thicker mucus and worsening coughing. 

Coffee can cause dehydration. This can lead to thicker mucus production during a cough and cold. 

Caffeine in coffee can cause dehydration. This can lead to thicker mucus and worsening coughing. It is best to limit your coffee consumption to 1 to 2 cups and stay hydrated using water. 

Hot coffee can ease the symptoms of cold as compared to room-temperature coffee.  

No studies have been found that state this aspect. Whether habitual users of caffeine develop a tolerance to its bronchodilatory effects is unknown according to studies.

Hot coffee can ease the symptoms of cold as compared to room-temperature coffee as it stimulates the sensory nerves. Honey and coffee together can soothe a sore throat. 

Prolonged coughing can be caused by gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) which in turn may be caused by excess coffee consumption. 

Taking adequate rest and liquids may help to ease cough and cold faster. Avoiding coffee or limiting its consumption to maximum of 2 cups a day can also help.