When suffering from a tonsil infection, the last thing you may want to do is eat healthy. Nutrition is critical to avoid malnutrition, reduce recovery time and ease painful symptoms. The main symptom associated with tonsillitis is a sore throat. Additional symptoms include neck and jaw pain, earache, difficulty speaking and fever or chills. Tonsillitis is caused by either a viral or a bacterial infection of the tonsils. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, children between the ages of 5 and 15 commonly suffer from tonsillitis, though the condition may also occur in adults.
Fluid Intake
When tonsillitis occurs, drinking liquid may hurt your throat when swallowing. Opt for cool or cold beverages the will numb your tonsils. Attempt to drink water throughout the day. Choose water, fruit drinks or sports beverages. Signs you are not drinking enough fluids include dark urine, voiding less than three times a day or crying without tear production. Avoid milk-based products, as they may increase mucous thickness in the throat. Do not drink acidic juices or cola products, which may irritate the throat. Warm beverages such as a caffeine free tea or warm lemon and honey-flavored water, are recommended by MayoClinc.com.
Foods
Easy to swallow soft, bland foods are ideal when suffering from tonsillitis. Pudding, ice cream, yogurt, oatmeal and baked sweet potatoes are easy to chew and swallow. Do not add seasoning, butter or dressing to foods. Avoid eating citrus fruits, pineapple or grapefruit. For lunch create tuna or egg salad sandwiches using soft breads. Ground beef, sausage and flaky fish are idea and easy to chew. Avoid hard foods with sharp edges, which may scratch the back of your throat. Avoid pretzels, chips, crackers and cookies.
Snacks
Make protein rich smoothies full of fruits and vegetables for a nutritional boost throughout the day. Add a small amount of ground flaxseed to the mix for an additional boost of omega-3 fatty acids. Baked apples, pears and even plums are soft and warm to eat when craving a sweet treat. Mix jelly with cottage cheese for a quick breakfast or afternoon treat.
Considerations
If or your child suffer from frequent tonsillitis infections, discuss the pros and cons of having your tonsills removed. The surgery is an outpatient surgery and lasts about 45 minutes and recovery takes between two and three weeks. Reduce pain from tonsillitis by taking over-the-counter pain medication such as acetaminophen about 30 minutes before eating. Never give a child or teenager aspirin. Gargle with warm salt water to reduce pain, suggests MedlinePlus. Mix together 1 tsp. of salt with one cup water, gargle in the throat and spit out.
