Can drinking cold water cause respiratory diseases?

No: I have always felt that mother's telling their children not to eat ice cream during a cold was little bit illogical. Cold/flu are caused by viruses. Has nothing to do with ice cream. Chicken soup may make you feel better, but hey if you like ice cream, dont deprive yourself of a moderate scoop.

No: Though warm, well hydrated mucous membranes are one of our first lines of defense against respiratory infections, there is no evidence that cold drinks or cold foods has any permanent effect or increases our susceptibility to respiratory infections. The membranes warm up very quickly after we ingest cold food or drink. Enjoy!