Question
My son is 10 years old and has recently been diagnosed with tonsillitis. He has been crying and complaining, and he seems to have difficulty swallowing. He also has a persistent high fever. What dietary principles should I follow to help alleviate his symptoms and promote recovery?
Answer
When a child has tonsillitis, it is recommended to adopt a light diet. Vegetables and fruits are rich in vitamins, which can help boost immunity and improve symptoms, so encourage your child to eat more vegetables and fruits. For instance, pears have the effects of reducing fever, soothing the throat, resolving phlegm, and relieving pain, which can alleviate the throat discomfort caused by acute tonsillitis. Additionally, providing easy-to-digest foods like congee and noodles is also a good choice. Parents should also avoid giving children spicy and stimulating foods and drinks. Lastly, helping children develop good eating habits is important as well; avoid fussy eating and picky eating to ensure they receive a balanced diet and reduce the incidence of tonsillitis.