A glass of water usually elicited a cough, and that cough brought on another.  It has been that way for the last 30 years.

But that’s over — thanks to a penny device, a soda straw.

I don’t know why I waited until last night to Google: “I cough when I drink water, but not when I drink juice.”

The answers came fast and furious.  I took one screenshot after another.  And there it was, a screenshot staring at me, as if to say, “Here is exactly what you need.”

I find it easier when I drink things through a straw

Mystery solved. By sucking the water directly into my esophagus, there will be no spray. The act of drinking water from a cup or glass almost guarantees that there will be some spray of water hitting the swallowing structures at the top of my esophagus.

When this happens, water is expelled through the act of coughing. The act of coughing helps to prevent the serious condition called aspiration, when food or liquid goes down the trachea.

Yes, I am likely more sensitive in that anatomical region than most. The sensitivity may be due to any or all of the following: My cough variant asthma, post-nasal drip, acid reflux, hiatal hernia or scarring resulting from years of coughing.

I was fortunate that months ago I purchased a pack of colorful plastic straws from Amazon for my granddaughter.

Today my new hypothesis was tested.  Every drink of water with a straw was serene.  Almost all drinks of water from a cup were met with one or more rather violent coughs.

Drinking thick liquids such as smoothies prevents most of my coughs.  I could thicken my water by adding thickening agents such as nectars, honey, Jell-O, applesauce or pudding.  But I think using a colorful straw is easier — and much more fun.

Now I am smiling as I gaze on a beautiful green straw partly submerged in a large cup of water on the dresser near my bed.

If only there were a straw to suck up all the components that make me cough when I am not drinking.  Bottoms up!

Mr. Ebsen may be contacted at robertzebsen@gmail.com