Question

A 13-year-old boy, just starting elementary school, reported pain while swallowing food, accompanied by severe coughing and fever. During the treatment of tonsillitis, what foods should the child avoid, and what dietary suggestions can help stimulate appetite?

Answer

When children have tonsillitis and lack appetite, it’s recommended to adjust their diet to be light and easy to digest:

  1. Consume plenty of vegetables and fruits: These are rich in various nutrients that help boost the child’s immunity. Particularly, pears, being cool in nature, can help reduce fever, soothe the throat, resolve phlegm, and alleviate pain associated with acute tonsillitis.
  2. Choose foods that are easy to swallow and digest: Soups or soft foods like porridge are good options.
  3. Drink plenty of plain water: Adequate hydration helps alleviate inflammation and throat discomfort.
  4. Avoid ‘irritating’ foods: It’s advisable to steer clear of seafood, dog meat, and other ‘irritating’ foods that may exacerbate the inflammatory response.
  5. Cultivate good living habits: In addition to a healthy diet, it’s important to develop habits such as early to bed and early to rise, as well as moderate exercise to enhance the child’s immunity and recovery abilities.