Can rice cause coughing?

Not just cold water and curd, many people also avoid having rice — a rich source of carbohydrates that helps the body feel energised and satiated — when they catch a cold and cough. But does it really make a difference?

According to Dr Jamal A. Khan, a dendritic cell therapy specialist, rice does not cause or aggravate coughing, unlike widely believed. “Rice is a good food source. It does not cause coughing unlike believed in many households in the North of India. Rice does not cause any allergies unlike wheat, which may cause gluten allergy in some,” Dr Khan said on Instagram.

So what’s the brouhaha about?

Rice, by itself, does not cause any coughing, said Dr Shweta Bansal, senior consultant, pulmonology and sleep medicine, Narayana Hospital, Gurugram. “However, in some cases it may be associated with coughing due to specific reasons. For example, if rice is improperly cooked or contains contaminants, it can potentially irritate the throat. Inhalation of fine rice particles while eating or cooking can also trigger coughing,” said Dr Bansal.

Know what’s causing the cough (Source: Freepik)

Additionally, Dr Bansal shared the need to look at one’s eating habits. “If rice is eaten too quickly or if it gets stuck in the throat, it can lead to coughing. Generally, these instances are rare and rice is considered a safe food for most people,” said Dr Bansal.

Agreeing, Dr Neeti Sharma, chief nutritionist, Marengo Asia Hospitals Faridabad stressed on the need to chewing rice slowly. “It does not have to do anything with cold and cough. If you already have a cough, you need to gargle well and clear your throat. Rice cannot cause cough,” said Dr Sharma.

 

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A post shared by Dr. Jamal A. Khan (@doctorjamalkhan)

What else to keep in mind?

According to Dr Sharma, during illness, warm and soft food like rice is gentle on a sore throat. “It is easy to swallow and provides comforting nourishment,” said Dr Sharma.

All you have to do is to eat slowly and chew. Do not swallow it, added Dr Sharma.

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