Question
My son is seven years old and has a sore throat with severe coughing symptoms. He has a high fever that won’t go down. What dietary precautions should be taken when a child’s tonsils are red and swollen?
Answer
Tonsillitis is common in children, and once it occurs, it should be treated promptly. In terms of diet, it is recommended to focus on vegetables and fruits, as they are not only light but also rich in vitamins and trace elements, which help to boost the child’s immunity. When choosing fruits, avoid those that are too cold, and opt for neutral fruits such as apples and kiwis. The daily diet should be light, easy to digest, and swallowable, such as congee or noodles. At the same time, avoid eating foods that cause heat, such as beef and mutton, poultry eggs, seafood, as well as spicy and hot dishes like hotpot. Additionally, ensure the child does not have picky eating habits to obtain sufficient nutrition and improve resistance, thereby preventing a recurrence of tonsillitis.