Question
My son is 2 years old. He recently started saying that drinking water feels painful in his throat. He has also been experiencing severe coughing and a low-grade fever. What dietary taboos should be avoided when a child has tonsillitis and loss of appetite?
Answer
During the treatment of tonsillitis in children, the diet should primarily be light, with an emphasis on eating more vegetables and fruits. These foods are rich in nutrients that can help boost the child’s immunity. For example, apples and kiwis not only help with Qi regulation and phlegm dissipation but also have a moisturizing effect on the lungs, which is beneficial for tonsillitis. You can also choose easily digestible foods for the child, such as slightly thinner porridge or well-cooked noodles. It is advisable to avoid giving the child foods like beef, mutton, poultry eggs, and seafood at this stage. Of course, this also includes spicy and irritant foods like hotpot and spicy steambuns. Diet is also very important for the treatment of tonsillitis, so attention must be paid to it.