Patient's question:
My child at home is a boy, 8 years old. At first, he said that it hurts when he swallows things, and I noticed that his voice is a bit hoarse when he talks. Additionally, he has a low fever. Could you please tell me: When dealing with tonsillitis in infants and young children, what dietary precautions should be taken for red and swollen tonsils?Doctor's answer:
During the treatment of tonsillitis in children, it is recommended to follow a light diet. You can give the child more vegetables and fruits. The reason for encouraging them to eat more vegetables and fruits is mainly to supplement vitamins and trace elements, which helps boost immunity and aid in faster recovery. For fruits, pears and apples are recommended, while for vegetables, options like spinach, cabbage, and tomatoes are excellent choices. You can choose based on the child's preferences. For staple foods, opt for softer options such as porridge or noodles to avoid difficulties in swallowing or worsening constipation. Foods like beef, lamb, poultry, eggs, and seafood, which are considered "heating" or in traditional Chinese medicine, should be avoided during this period. This also includes spicy and irritating foods like hot pot or spicy soup. Finally, it is important to help the child develop healthy eating habits, avoiding picky eating and partiality, to ensure a balanced diet and reduce the incidence of tonsillitis.