Question
A four-year-old girl has a sore throat and a slight cough, possibly indicating tonsillitis, along with low-grade fever. In such a situation, how should you adjust the child’s diet? What are the precautions to take?
Answer
When a child has tonsillitis accompanied by a high fever, it is recommended to adjust the diet to help alleviate symptoms and promote recovery. Here are some dietary precautions to consider:
- Light Diet: Provide the child with light and easy-to-swallow foods, such as congee.
- Increase Fruits and Vegetables: Fruits and vegetables are rich in nutrients that can boost the child’s immunity and aid in the repair of the tonsils. Apples, pears, tangerines, kiwis, and other fruits are suggested.
- Hydration: Encourage the child to drink plenty of water to help soothe throat pain and cough symptoms.
- Avoid Irritants: Reduce or avoid giving the child foods like lamb and dog meat, which may irritate the throat and worsen inflammatory symptoms.
- Correct Bad Habits: Help correct the child’s picky eating habits to ensure they receive comprehensive nutrition absorption, which is beneficial for recovery.