Warning About Health Questions

Mahalo Answers is a great place to start your research into Health questions, but it's not the final answer.

Mahalo Answers is not a substitute for informed professional advice. If you desire or require professional advice, please consult a qualified provider who is licensed in your state or country. You should always seek independent professional advice before acting on any opinion, advice, or information available on Mahalo Answers.

answered question

0
Votes

1
Answer

M$0.25

davesaunders | June 17, 2009 08:02 PM | in Health | via Twitter | about Coughing

I can think of dozens of reasons to cough and few that benefit from drinking water. So why does everyone seem to suggest you take a drink?

Report

| RSS

| Share

Did you ask this question via Twitter?
We create a Mahalo account for everyone who asks a question via Twitter. Claim your Mahalo account

answers (1)

0
Votes

BEST ANSWER decided by votes | ewpldf | September 08, 2009 07:30 AM | view on twitter

When people see someone in distress, it upsets them. They often offer useless things just to feel like they are "helping", even if their gestures aren't effective. Think of how people often respond to a sneeze by saying "bless you" or "gazunteight". It doesn't really do anything and most have forgotten the superstitious reasons for this archaic tradition, but it is still a way to express your sympathy for another person's discomfort.

In the case of coughing, water or any drink can sometimes provide relief. If the person coughing has an irritated throat or couldn't quite swallow a speck of food, water can help. Since it works part of the time and is easy to procure, a concerned bystander will offer water because it seems kinder than ignoring the plight of another.

Tip ewpldf for this answer | Permalink | Report

Voted as best: stanar

Comment