Yes, apples are generally good for coughs because they provide essential nutrients, support the immune system, and can be soothing, especially when cooked (like applesauce or stewed) or as warm cider, offering hydration and easy-to-digest energy without irritating a sore throat. While fresh apples are great, warm apple-based drinks can be particularly comforting for soothing the throat.
Fruits can also be highly beneficial during those cough and cold days. Apples, berries, pineapples, and much more can help keep inflammation at bay. However, say no to citrus fruits during cough and cold. They are the handful of fruits to avoid during cough and cold.
Fruits to Eat During Cough and Cold:
Reducing throat irritation: Selecting appropriate foods and preparation methods can minimize throat irritation, reducing itchiness and the likelihood of frequent coughing. To achieve this, avoid irritating foods like sour, spicy, salty, or hot dishes.
9 home remedies for your child's cough
To get rid of a cough fast, use home remedies like drinking warm liquids (tea, broth) with honey (not for infants <1 yr), gargling with salt water, using a humidifier or steamy shower for moisture, sucking on cough drops, and staying hydrated; avoid smoke, and consider OTC meds if needed, but see a doctor if it lasts or worsens.
Acidic/Spicy foods can also trigger Acid Reflux (GERD), which is a major cause of a persistent cough. Aggravates the throat and lungs. True for Sensitivity: Cold air or drinks can shock and irritate hyper-sensitive airways, triggering a coughing fit. Opting for warm fluids (tea, broth) is generally more soothing.
Ginger is a natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidant that can help ease a cough. It can reduce inflammation in your respiratory tract and may even help to suppress the cough reflex. Try drinking fresh ginger tea several times a day for cough relief.
Pears have a cooling nature, making them excellent for moistening the lungs, clearing heat, and helping to reduce phlegm. This makes them a remedy choice for coughs that come with signs of heat or dryness, such as dry cough, throat and lips, itchy throat, and persistent coughs.
Citrus fruits, including lemon, orange, and mosambi, are acidic, which can be difficult for our throats. Avoiding citrus food is best during coughs and colds. However, moderate consumption is advisable, like drinking hot water with a squeezed lemon.
So load up on vitamin C-rich foods like oranges, grapefruits, lemons, limes, strawberries, tomatoes, and broccoli.
Quercetin-rich foods, such as apples and berries, may reduce mucus secretion, especially in those with chronic lung diseases, although more human studies are needed to confirm these effects.
Aim for five to nine servings of vegetables and fruits daily to provide those immune-boosting vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. A serving of fruit is one medium piece of fresh fruit, 1 cup of berries or melon, or 1/2 cup of canned fruit packed in its own juice. A serving of vegetables is 1/2 cup cooked or 1 cup raw.
Unlike many other fruits, apples love the cold. The ideal temperature for storing apples is somewhere between 30 and 35 degrees F, with about 90 percent humidity. That's why they should be stored in the crisper drawer of your fridge, separate from other produce that may emit gases that can speed up ripening.
A cough is an important reflex that helps protect the airways and lungs. Anything from fumes, dust, smoke, pollen, medication, or having a lung disease like asthma or COPD, may activate this reflex.
Hot lemon with honey has a similar effect to cough medicines. Squeeze half a lemon into a mug of boiled water. Add 1 to 2 teaspoons of honey. Drink while still warm (do not give hot drinks to small children).
Cold remedies that work
A cough is a forceful push of air that your body uses to clear irritants, mucus and germs out of your airways. Common causes include allergies, asthma, infections (like colds), chronic lung conditions and acid reflux. Over-the-counter treatments, honey and water might help until you can find the root cause.
Foods to Avoid When Coughing
Call your healthcare professional if your cough — or your child's cough — doesn't go away after a few weeks or if it also involves: Coughing up thick, greenish-yellow phlegm.
Pneumonia coughs can be deep, loud, and sometimes productive or wet. You can drink plenty of fluids and rest to help support recovery from pneumonia. If untreated, pneumonia may lead to complications like lung abscess or respiratory failure.
The most common symptoms of bronchitis are:
RSV symptoms in infants
Cough that can either sound wet or dry. Runny nose. Congestion. Sneezing.
Signs and symptoms:
Particularly in the context of the above risk factors and cough, associated red flag symptoms and signs for significant disease include: Weight loss. New coughs lasting over three weeks. Unexplained haemoptysis, particularly if recurrent or persisting. Breathlessness.