Why do we drink water after coughing if our windpipe controls our respiratory system and the water goes down our esophagus?

Question

Why do we drink water after coughing if our windpipe controls our respiratory system and the water goes down our esophagus?

In: 322

Answer 1

When we cough, our body is trying to get rid of something that doesn’t belong in our lungs, like dust or germs. Coughing is a way for our body to keep our lungs healthy and clean.

But when we cough, our throat can get a little sore and scratchy. Drinking water can help to soothe our throat and make it feel better. The water doesn’t actually go into our lungs, it goes into our stomach through a different tube called the esophagus. The esophagus is next to the windpipe, but they are separate and the water doesn’t mix with the air in our lungs.

So even though it might seem a little strange to drink water after coughing, it can actually help to make our throat feel better.