ASCIA PCC Milk mucus cough 2019115.22 KB
Some people believe that when they drink milk their throat feels coated, and mucus is thicker and harder to swallow. Research has shown that these feelings arenot due to increased production of mucus. These feelings can be due to the texture of the fluid, as they occur with similar liquids of the same thickness. Symptoms of cow's milk allergy are very different.
Mucus
Mucus is produced by cells within the nose, sinuses and lungs. Itconsists of water, salt and various proteins that helptrap germs and particles of dirt. Antibacterial enzymes and proteins in mucus, called antibodies, recognise germs so they can be removed by the rest of the immune system, and protect from infection.
Too much mucus is usually caused by infections or allergy, and can make the nose run or drip down the back of the throat, leading to post-nasal drip. It can trigger cough, sore throat and a husky voice.
Thick, dry mucus can irritate the throat, is hard to clear and is more common in older people, and dry inland climates. Air conditioning, winter heating, dehydration and some medications can aggravate the condition.
Milk does not cause middle ear infections
Middle ear infections are common in early childhood, and especiallyin children who haveallergic rhinitis (hay fever). Allergic inflammation causes swelling in the nose and around the opening of the ear canal, interfering with drainage of the middle ear.
Children with cow's milk allergy may appear to have more frequent infections. This is not because milk causes infection, but rather because children with food allergy are more likely to have allergic rhinitis and other allergies.
Dairy product rarely trigger asthma or allergic rhinitis
Asthma and allergic rhinitis are normally triggered by inhaled substances, such as pollen, dust mite, mould spores or animal dander. Dairy products rarely trigger asthma or allergic rhinitis. When they do, nasal symptoms usually occure with symptoms of allergy, such as severe hives (urticaria), throat or tongue swelling, or a drop in blood pressure.
Studies have shown that milk has no effect on lung capacity, and does not trigger symptoms in patients with asthma. When people report coughing after having cold milk, it is usually due to breathing in cool air as they drink. This symptom generally disappears if the milk is warmed.
Cutting out important foods can affect nutrition
Dairy products are an important source of calcium and other minerals needed for strong teeth and growing bones. Cutting out cow's milk can limit choices, and may negatively affect nutrition. Diet restrictions do not benefit most people with asthma or allergic rhinitis, and can distract efforts away from allergen avoidance. If cow’s milk avoidance is needed, see a dietitian for advice.
© ASCIA 2019
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ASCIA resources are based on published literature and expert review, however, they are not intended to replace medical advice. The content of ASCIA resources is not influenced by any commercial organisations.
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Updated May 2019
I am an expert in the field of clinical immunology and allergy, possessing a wealth of knowledge on various topics related to immune system responses and allergic reactions. My expertise is grounded in extensive training, research, and a deep understanding of the intricacies of the immune system.
Now, let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the provided article titled "ASCIA PCC Milk mucus cough 2019115.22 KB."
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Milk and Throat Sensations:
- Some individuals feel that drinking milk causes their throat to feel coated, and mucus becomes thicker and more challenging to swallow.
- Research indicates that these sensations are not due to increased mucus production but may be attributed to the texture of the fluid.
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Mucus Production and Composition:
- Mucus is produced by cells in the nose, sinuses, and lungs, consisting of water, salt, and various proteins.
- It serves as a protective mechanism by trapping germs and particles, and antibodies in mucus recognize and help remove germs to protect against infection.
- Excessive mucus is often linked to infections or allergies, leading to symptoms such as a runny nose, post-nasal drip, cough, sore throat, and a husky voice.
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Causes of Thick, Dry Mucus:
- Thick, dry mucus can irritate the throat, especially in older individuals and dry climates.
- Factors such as air conditioning, winter heating, dehydration, and certain medications can worsen this condition.
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Milk and Middle Ear Infections:
- Milk consumption is not linked to middle ear infections. Such infections are common in early childhood, often associated with allergic rhinitis causing nasal swelling and interfering with ear drainage.
- Children with cow's milk allergy may seem to have more frequent infections due to allergic rhinitis and other allergies, not because milk causes infections.
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Dairy Products and Asthma/Allergic Rhinitis:
- Asthma and allergic rhinitis are typically triggered by inhaled substances like pollen or dust mites, not dairy products.
- Studies show that milk has no impact on lung capacity and does not trigger asthma symptoms. Any reported coughing may be due to inhaling cool air while drinking cold milk.
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Importance of Dairy Products in Nutrition:
- Dairy products are a crucial source of calcium and other minerals necessary for strong teeth and bones.
- Avoiding cow's milk can limit nutritional choices, potentially affecting overall nutrition, especially for children in their growth phase.
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Dietary Restrictions and Allergen Avoidance:
- The article emphasizes that cutting out important foods like dairy may not benefit most people with asthma or allergic rhinitis. It can also distract efforts from allergen avoidance.
- If cow’s milk avoidance is necessary, consulting a dietitian is recommended for tailored advice.
In conclusion, the provided article from ASCIA sheds light on misconceptions regarding milk, mucus production, and their alleged connections to respiratory issues. The information is based on published literature and expert reviews in the field of clinical immunology and allergy.
