Question

Dear reader, my daughter is just 3 months old and has just started to complain of pain when swallowing. She’s been coughing more severely and has a bit of a fever with a lack of energy. What dietary tips should be considered for a child with sore throat and swollen tonsils?

Answer

If a child experiences tonsillitis, it is essential to maintain a light diet. Fruits and vegetables should be the main focus, as many fruits have cooling and detoxifying properties, and are rich in vitamins, which can help boost immunity and fight off diseases. For fruits, options like pears and apples are recommended, while vegetables like green leafy vegetables, cabbage, and tomatoes are also good choices. You can choose according to the child’s preferences. For staple foods, opt for something soft and easy to chew, such as congee or noodles, to avoid affecting swallowing or exacerbating constipation and worsening the condition. Additionally, avoid giving the child spicy and irritant foods like spicy hotpot or hotpot, as well as allergenic foods like beef, mutton, and seafood. Lastly, it is important to help the child develop good eating habits; avoid fussy eating or picky eating so that they can receive a balanced diet and reduce the incidence of tonsillitis.