Doctor Mai Manh Tam, deputy head of the respiratory department at Tam Anh General Hospital Hanoi, explains that most nuts consumed during Tet are dry-roasted and seasoned with salt or spices. Consuming a large quantity of nuts continuously can trigger a cough. Salt increases osmotic pressure on the throat's mucous membrane, leading to dehydration, dryness, and sensitivity. A diminished protective mucus layer makes the throat easily irritated. Moreover, sugary nuts can make phlegm thick and sticky, increasing the sensation of obstruction and stimulating a cough.

Nuts are often rich in fats. Excessive consumption, particularly in the evening or amidst irregular Tet holiday routines, can overwhelm the digestive system. For individuals with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), eating many nuts can slow gastric emptying, causing bloating and indigestion. This increases the risk of stomach acid refluxing into the esophagus, which then irritates the upper respiratory tract's mucous membrane and triggers a cough.

Chatting or laughing continuously while eating nuts increases the risk of inhaling small fragments or nut membranes into the airway. These foreign bodies can lodge in the throat or larynx, causing a sensation of obstruction, an itchy throat, and triggering a cough.

In northern Vietnam, the Tet period often features cold weather and low humidity. This dry air dehydrates the respiratory tract's mucous membranes, leading to a dry throat. When coupled with consuming roasted nuts, sweets, and alcohol, this environment easily exacerbates throat dryness and irritation.

Coughing after eating nuts is typically an irritant cough and generally harmless. To mitigate this, doctor Tam advises consuming nuts in moderation and avoiding prolonged, continuous eating. Opt for nuts with less salt, ensuring they are not overly salty or spicy. When eating, chew thoroughly and slowly, refraining from talking or laughing simultaneously to reduce the risk of inhaling fragments. Peeling shells by hand instead of biting them directly can also prevent swallowing hard shells or membranes that irritate the throat. Maintain adequate hydration throughout the day to keep the throat's mucous membrane moist and help clear irritants.

During Tet, balance your diet by increasing green vegetables and fresh fruits rich in vitamin C and fiber to aid digestion and reduce reflux risk. Limit alcohol, coffee, and other stimulants. If you are experiencing a cough, temporarily stop eating nuts during the holiday. Seek medical attention if a cough persists for over two weeks or is accompanied by symptoms such as fever, severe sore throat, hoarseness, difficulty breathing, coughing up thick phlegm, or phlegm with an unusual color, to rule out underlying respiratory conditions.

Trinh Mai