Some people cough when they take a hot shower due to the swelling and irritation of the airways or the irritation of sensory receptors in the respiratory system caused by warm, moist air.

In this blog post, we’ll delve into the science behind why some people cough when they take a hot shower and offer some tips on how to alleviate the symptom.

The Science Behind Coughing During Hot Showers

So, why do some people experience coughing during hot showers? The answer has to do with the way hot showers affect the airways. When you take a hot shower, the warm, moist air can cause the airways to swell and produce excess mucus. This can lead to coughing as your body tries to clear the excess mucus from your respiratory system.

But that’s not the only reason hot showers can trigger coughing. Hot showers can also irritate the sensory receptors in the airways, which can lead to coughing as a reflex action. Essentially, your body is trying to protect itself from the irritants in the air by coughing.

Tips for Alleviating Coughing During Hot Showers

If you find that hot showers trigger coughing for you, there are a few things you can try to alleviate the symptom. Here are a few tips:

• Try taking cooler showers: While it may not be as enjoyable as a steamy hot shower, cooler water can still be refreshing and help to reduce the swelling and irritation in your airways.
• Use a humidifier: If you can’t bear the thought of giving up hot showers, try using a humidifier to add moisture to the air. This can help to reduce the irritants in the air and prevent coughing.
• Keep your shower short: The longer you stay in the shower, the more irritants and allergens you’ll inhale. Try to keep your showers short to reduce your exposure to these triggers.
• Stay well-hydrated: Drinking plenty of water can help to thin out mucus and make it easier to clear from your respiratory system. Make sure to drink plenty of fluids before and after your shower to help prevent coughing.

Why does a hot bath make me cough?

Like hot showers, hot baths can cause the airways to swell and produce excess mucus, which can trigger coughing as the body tries to clear the excess mucus from the respiratory system. Hot baths can also irritate the sensory receptors in the airways, leading to coughing as a reflex action.

Can showers cause coughs?

Yes, showers can cause coughs in some people. As mentioned above, the warm, moist air in a shower can cause the airways to swell and produce excess mucus, leading to coughing. Showers can also irritate the sensory receptors in the airways, leading to coughing as a reflex action.

Is a hot steamy shower good for your lungs?

It’s generally not recommended to take extremely hot and steamy showers, as the hot and humid air can irritate the airways and potentially worsen respiratory conditions such as asthma. However, lukewarm showers with moderate steam may help to loosen mucus and make it easier to clear from the respiratory system.

Is a hot shower good for a dry cough?

A hot shower may help to loosen mucus and make it easier to clear from the respiratory system, which may provide some temporary relief from a dry cough. However, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional for proper treatment of a dry cough, as it can be a symptom of a more serious underlying condition.

Here’s What Happens to Your Body When Taking Hot Showers | Dr. Mandell

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Conclusion

In conclusion, coughing during hot showers is a common phenomenon that can be caused by the swelling and irritation of the airways or the irritation of sensory receptors in the respiratory system. While it’s usually not harmful, it can be annoying. If you find that hot showers trigger coughing for you, there are steps you can take to alleviate the symptom, such as taking cooler showers, using a humidifier, keeping your showers short, and staying well-hydrated.