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Technically, coffee can suit some people, while it can be explicitly bad for others. For example, while it is true that having a cup of coffee while experiencing a sore throat will not send you directly to the emergency room, it may do you more harm than good. In some cases, coffee can have an irritating effect on sore throats.
Usually, when someone is sick with a sore throat, drinking coffee does not sound like a great idea for quick recovery. Every time we have a sore throat, we hear things like “drink more tea,” “avoid drinking alcohol, and keep your throat warm,” but rarely “try having a cup of coffee.”
Essentially, this is due to the acidic nature of the coffee. Many research articles state that coffee can additionally irritate a sore throat.
Still, teas can get tiring, and when sick, you may want to make yourself feel better with a warm, delicious cup of coffee. So what is the worst that might happen, right?
Do Hot Drinks Make Sore Throat Worse?
It is a highly debated topic. Many studies indicate that hot tea or hot coffee can be both good and damaging to the throat, depending on the person.
Some people feel more dehydrated after drinking coffee or tea, which can cause the body to produce more mucus. More mucus is always irritating to the throat.
Others claim that coffee and green tea provide huge relief and hydration, especially when combined with honey and lemon. So, the answer is that it’s different for everybody.
Is Iced Coffee Good for Sore Throat?
It is the same situation as hot drinks; it depends on the person. For example, iced coffee can be as good as eating ice cream. However, if cold, iced drinks have bothered you in the past, you should stay away from them when you have a sore throat.
Also, you should consider adding less sugar to your coffee since it can make things worse.
While iced coffee may not be a great choice when sore throat, other healthy drinks like cranberry juice may be good for the throat, cold, natural juices like orange juice, for example, can have a refreshing feeling and relieve your pain.
Still, there is a lot of acid in juices, whether orange juice or cranberry juice. So, just like coffee, they are usually a bad idea and can make a sore throat worse than it was.
This free cheat sheet will improve your coffee brew by providing quick information on brew ratio, grind size, optimal brewing time, and more.
Can I Drink Coffee If I Have a Strep Throat?
The short answer is yes. If you have strep throat, that is usually because you have some bacteria in the throat. The bacteria often lead up to inflammation, and when you have a throat that is inflamed, you need to drink plenty of fluids, as many as possible.
Every time you are dealing with strep throat, staying hydrated throughout the day is very important. According to many studies, hot and cold fluids are recommended for treating sore and strep throat.
Still, people react differently to the coffee acid; while in some cases, it does not make any difference whether or not you will drink coffee, in some cases, it may end up making things worse. It can vary and usually depends on various factors, but different people tend to react differently.
Can I Drink Coffee If I Have Tonsillitis?
While many sources may indicate staying away from caffeine and sugars while having tonsillitis, others say it will not harm you. Still, in many cases, caffeine and sugar tend to instigate mucus build-up, irritating your throat even more.
The bottom line is that it always depends on the person. If you have experienced unpleasant pain in your throat while having coffee, you should stay away from it until you recover from tonsillitis.
There are many cases when the coffee has a pleasant effect on tonsillitis.
As long as you are not sensitive to caffeine or the acid found in coffee, you can be worry-free. Also, for those suffering from tonsillitis, a cold cup of coffee can be very soothing.
If you are not sure of coffee’s effect on your throat, ask for a doctor’s advice.
Can Coffee Make My Throat Dry?
It is true for many different reasons. Coffee can sometimes have a dehydrating and drying effect on the throat. Because coffee has a lot of acid and caffeine, it is not a big surprise that many people feel like their throats are dry after drinking some coffee.
We recommend staying out of coffee if you have a sore and dry throat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Let’s look at some of the most commonly asked questions.
What Is Better for Sore Throats, Hot or Cold Coffee?
There is no simple yes or no answer to this question. However, in many cases, both hot and cold coffee can be a relief for sore throats.
For some people, cold coffee drinks have both numbing and refreshing effects on the throat. In addition, cold beverages tend to cause throat pain to diminish. Others may prefer the hot drink’s soothing effect, such as hot Turkish coffee.
So, which one is the best choice? If we pay attention to the Medical News Today, hot drinks better affect a sore throat. They provide long-lasting benefits that will help and speed up the recovery process.
Still, it is up to you. Whichever coffee temperature works for your immune system, you should go with it.
Is Coffee Good For Tonsillitis?
In most cases, caffeine and sugar instigate mucus build-up and irritate a throat that suffers from tonsillitis.
However, it depends on the person. If you have experienced unpleasant pain in your throat while having coffee, you should stay away from it until you recover from tonsillitis.
Is Decaf Coffee Bad For a Sore Throat?
Although a decaf does not contain caffeine, any coffee can negatively affect a sore throat. Avoid alcohol, caffeine, acidic foods like tomatoes and citrus, and spicy foods. These are all potential irritants and can make a sore throat feel worse.
Conclusion
There is no simple yes or no answer to this question, “Should I drink coffee when I have a sore throat.” The caffeine and acid found in the coffee can cause even more pain and unpleasant feelings for some people.
On the other hand, some people love drinking coffee while having sore throats because it relieves the pain!
The same applies to hot and cold drinks. There is no specific rule that says you cannot drink hot or cold coffee when experiencing a sore throat. But still, some people find one or the other more soothing.
The best advice is to do whatever works for you, and when in doubt, consult with your doctor.
This free cheat sheet will improve your coffee brew by providing quick information on brew ratio, grind size, optimal brewing time, and more.
