What foods should not be eaten when having a sore throat?

Mar 13, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lu Cheng
Introduction
Patients with pharyngitis should avoid eating spicy foods such as chili peppers, strong tea, coffee, carbonated beverages, and ice cream, as these foods may irritate the throat, worsen the condition, hinder recovery, and potentially affect overall health. Therefore, consumption is not recommended. If any discomfort occurs, it is advisable to seek timely medical attention to facilitate recovery.

Generally speaking, the throat refers to the pharynx. Patients with pharyngitis should avoid eating foods such as chili peppers, strong tea, coffee, carbonated beverages, and ice cream. If discomfort occurs, prompt medical attention is recommended. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Chili Peppers

Chili peppers are spicy and irritating foods; the capsaicin they contain may stimulate the body. Eating chili peppers when suffering from pharyngitis can irritate the throat, leading to congestive edema of the pharynx and delaying recovery.

2. Strong Tea

Strong tea is also an irritating beverage; the caffeine and other harmful substances it contains may irritate the throat area, causing sore throat and swelling. It may even affect sleep quality, further delaying recovery.

3. Coffee

Caffeine in coffee may irritate the pharyngeal mucosa, causing mucosal erosion, thereby aggravating the inflammatory response and causing symptoms such as throat burning and difficulty swallowing. Moreover, drinking coffee may dry out the throat, which is unfavorable for controlling the condition.

4. Carbonated Beverages

Such as cola and sparkling water, these beverages contain large amounts of sugar and carbonic acid, which may irritate the pharyngeal mucosa and even affect gastrointestinal digestion, which is detrimental to health. Therefore, their consumption is not recommended.

5. Ice Cream

Ice cream is a cold food; consuming it during an acute episode of pharyngitis may cause spasms and constriction of blood vessels in the throat area, hindering blood circulation and worsening the condition.

In addition, patients with pharyngitis should also avoid consuming pepper, Sichuan pepper, ginger, and similar foods. At the same time, they should monitor their recovery regularly to adjust the treatment plan as needed.

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