Question

I have a five-year-old boy who has a sore throat so bad that he even feels pain when drinking water. He also has severe coughing and fever symptoms. What dietary precautions should I take to help alleviate the discomfort caused by tonsillitis?

Answer

When children have tonsillitis, in addition to timely medical treatment, their daily diet should also be carefully considered. Here are some dietary suggestions:

  1. Increase intake of vegetables and fruits: Many fruits have a cooling and detoxifying effect and are rich in vitamins, which can help boost immunity and resist diseases. For example, the peel of tangerines is rich in vitamin C and has good anti-inflammatory properties.
  2. Choose light, easy-to-digest, and easy-to-swallow foods: During an attack of tonsillitis, it’s best to focus on light, easy-to-digest foods such as congee and noodles. These foods are not only easy to swallow but also reduce throat irritation.
  3. Avoid ‘irritating’ foods: It’s best to avoid eating foods that may cause inflammation, such as poultry eggs, donkey meat, and beef or mutton.
  4. Cultivate good eating habits: Parents should help children develop good eating habits, ensuring hygienic and healthy eating, and avoiding picky eating or preference for certain foods. Remember, in addition to dietary precautions, timely medical treatment is also very important. If your child shows signs of tonsillitis, please consult a doctor promptly for appropriate treatment.