Why Am I Coughing When I Drink Water?
“Why do I always cough when I take a sip of water?”
It might seem like a small thing. A little cough here and there.
But if it’s happening often—especially when drinking thin liquids like water—it could be a sign of something more serious.
Frequent coughing when eating or drinking is not just “bad luck.”
It could mean your swallowing muscles aren’t working as well as they used to.
The good news? There is help available, and you’re not alone.
What’s Going On?
When we swallow, a complex set of muscles and reflexes work together to move food or drink safely down into the stomach.
But sometimes, especially after:
Stroke
Parkinson’s disease
Multiple sclerosis (MS)
Motor neurone disease (MND)
Brain injury
Or even with normal ageing
…those muscles can become weaker or slower to react.
This can cause liquids like water to go down the “wrong way”—into the airway instead of the food pipe. This is called aspiration, and your body’s natural response is to cough to protect your lungs.
Common Signs of Swallowing Difficulties
You might notice:
Coughing or throat clearing during or after meals
A “gurgly” voice after drinking
Feeling like something is stuck in your throat
Needing to swallow several times to get something down
Avoiding certain foods or drinks
Feeling tired or breathless when eating
Unexplained chest infections or pneumonia
These are signs that your swallow isn’t working as well as it should. And it's not something to ignore.
Why Water Can Be the Tricky One
Many people are surprised that water causes more coughing than other drinks.
That’s because thin liquids like water:
Move fast through the mouth and throat
Don’t trigger a strong swallow reflex
Can slip into the airway quickly if timing is off
Thicker drinks (like milkshakes or smoothies) tend to be easier to control.
Should I Be Worried?
If coughing happens just once in a while, it might not be a big concern.
But frequent coughing or changes in eating and drinking should be checked out—especially if you have a condition that affects your brain, nerves, or muscles.
Left untreated, swallowing problems can lead to:
Choking
Weight loss
Dehydration
Chest infections or pneumonia
So it’s always better to get advice early.
What Can Help?
A speech and language therapist trained in dysphagia (swallowing disorders) can:
Assess your swallow safely (no discomfort, no special prep)
Recommend changes to food or drink textures
Teach you safer swallowing techniques
Work on exercises to strengthen your muscles
Help you eat and drink with more confidence
There’s no need to struggle in silence.
Swallowing therapy can make mealtimes feel safe and enjoyable again.
What You Can Try Right Now
These simple tips can help while you wait for a swallowing assessment:
✅ Sit upright when drinking.
Stay seated at 90 degrees and stay upright for 30 minutes after meals.
✅ Take small sips.
Use a teaspoon or small sips from a cup rather than big gulps.
✅ Stay focused.
Avoid chatting or watching TV while eating or drinking—focus on the swallow.
✅ Try thicker drinks.
Sometimes adding a thickener (available in pharmacies) can help slow things down.
Only do this under guidance from a healthcare professional.
You Deserve to Eat and Drink Safely
Coughing every time you drink isn’t just annoying—it can be risky. But it doesn’t have to stay that way.
With the right support, many people improve their swallow and enjoy meals without fear of coughing or choking.
📞 Worried About Your Swallow?
Book a swallowing assessment with a specialist today.
Take the first step to safe, confident eating and drinking—and peace of mind.
