Question

My child (a 9-year-old boy) has a sore throat, difficulty swallowing, a slight fever, and is feeling listless. What dietary precautions should be taken when a child has tonsillitis?

Answer

When children have tonsillitis, a reasonable diet can help alleviate symptoms and promote recovery. Here are some dietary suggestions for children during tonsillitis:

  • Consume plenty of vegetables and fruits: Rich in nutrients, they help boost immunity. For example, pears and apples have a cooling and anti-inflammatory effect and can be eaten more.
  • Choose soft foods for staple dishes: Opt for soft, easy-to-swallow staple foods such as congee and noodles to avoid affecting swallowing or causing constipation, which may worsen the condition.
  • Avoid irritating foods: Foods like beef, mutton, dog meat, and seafood may exacerbate symptoms and should be avoided as much as possible.
  • Cultivate good eating habits: Help children develop good eating habits, avoid picky eating and selective eating, ensure balanced nutrition, and reduce the incidence of tonsillitis.