Question
My daughter is just one month old, and based on symptoms like sore throat, difficulty swallowing, and low-grade fever, I suspect she might have tonsillitis. Besides seeking medical treatment, what dietary precautions should I take to help her alleviate discomfort?
Answer
When an infant has tonsillitis, in addition to timely medical treatment, attention to diet can also help alleviate symptoms and recover health. Here are some dietary suggestions for infants with tonsillitis:
- Consume plenty of vegetables and fruits: Vegetables and fruits are rich in nutrition, especially vitamins C and fiber, which can help boost immunity and reduce inflammation. It is recommended to choose softer fruits such as pears, apples, tangerines, and kiwis, and ensure they are thoroughly washed.
- Opt for easily digestible and soft foods: Infants may have difficulty swallowing, so it is recommended to provide easy-to-swallow foods such as porridge and soft noodles. The noodles must be cooked until very soft to avoid hard noodles damaging the infant’s throat.
- Avoid irritating foods: Spicy foods like chili and pepper may irritate the infant’s throat, exacerbating inflammation and discomfort, so they should be avoided.
- Maintain a balanced diet: Balanced nutrition intake can help boost the infant’s immunity and reduce the incidence of tonsillitis. Therefore, it should be ensured that the infant consumes enough protein, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals, and avoid selective eating or picky eating.
- Avoid triggering foods: Some foods may worsen inflammation, such as pineapple, strawberries,