Question
My daughter is 2 years old, and she has recently started to complain of a sore throat while speaking, accompanied by a slight cough and fever. What are the dietary precautions to take when a child’s tonsils are red and swollen?
Answer
When a child has tonsillitis, proper diet can help alleviate symptoms and promote recovery. Here are the dietary precautions for children with tonsillitis:
- Consume plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits: Vegetables and fruits are rich in vitamins and trace elements, which can help boost immunity and promote recovery. For example, fruits like apples and kiwis have the effects of resolving phlegm, moistening the lungs, and are beneficial for alleviating tonsillitis.
- Choose soft, easy-to-swallow staple foods: Opt for foods like congee or noodles that are easy to digest and swallow to avoid affecting swallowing or causing constipation, which may worsen the condition.
- Avoid irritating foods: Spicy foods like chili and pepper may exacerbate throat discomfort, so they should be avoided.
- Avoid allergenic foods: Certain foods may worsen inflammation, so they should be avoided during the tonsillitis period.
- Maintain balanced nutrition and avoid fad diets: Balanced nutrition ensures that children receive enough vitamins and minerals to boost immunity. Avoiding fad diets can reduce the risk of recurrence.