The Common Cold – Does Dairy Increase Phlegm?

A common cold infection often produces thick phlegm. This discharge is sticky and thick. The increase in phlegm production often results in more coughing and difficulty of breathing. Some say that consuming dairy products can increase phlegm production. If you want to know if dairy does increase phlegm production during a common cold infection, here are the details.

A trick of the senses

Milk, cheese, and other dairy products are rich and creamy. Dairy tends to mix with saliva. The combination leaves a coating over the mouth, tongue, and throat during consumption. A person with a cold may feel as if there is more phlegm in the air passages. This is a trick of the senses. The thick liquid coating from the mixture of dairy and saliva can lead the person to believe there is more phlegm.

What science shows

Studies show that consuming dairy during a cold does not increase phlegm production. There were no changes in phlegm production after drinking milk. The scientists weighed the used tissues before and after drinking milk. The expelled amount of mucous was the same. It was established that there is no evidence of dairy’s impact on the production of mucous during a bout of the common cold.

Others suggest that the type of dairy and the person’s genes influence the impact of dairy products on the production of phlegm. A1 casein in cow’s milk can trigger mucus production in some people. This mucous then circulates throughout the body. Congestion often results from this excessive mucous production.

Consuming dairy can make things worse for people with milk allergies. This can trigger an increase in mucus production and congestion. The allergy attack can be life-threatening. Going to an urgent care facility can help relieve the allergic reaction.

Dairy can help when the common cold attacks

A person with the common cold can feel better with some dairy. Having a few bites of frozen yogurt or drinking a glass of cold milk can soothe the sore throat. It can provide some essential calories and nutrients if the patient does not feel like eating at all. A yogurt and fruit smoothie is full of nutrients. It is rich in antioxidants, zinc, probiotics, and fiber.

The reason for mucous

The common cold can cause congestion, sore throat, and runny nose. It can also cause fever and coughing. These symptoms show as the body’s defense mechanism. The increase in mucous production is one way the body fights infection. The body keeps producing mucous to surround the invading virus. Then, the body expels the mucous through coughing and blowing the nose.