Can I eat chili peppers when I have tonsillitis?
Under normal circumstances, individuals with tonsillitis should not eat chili peppers. Regardless of the severity of symptoms, consuming chili peppers can irritate the throat and hinder the resolution of inflammation. It is recommended to choose bland foods to aid in the recovery of the throat. Detailed explanations are as follows:
Even in mild cases of tonsillitis where only slight sore throat and dryness are present, eating chili peppers can irritate the congested throat mucosa, worsening local redness, swelling, and pain, and delaying the healing of inflammation. At this time, spicy foods should be strictly avoided, and soft foods such as porridge and noodles should be consumed to reduce irritation to the tonsils.
When symptoms of tonsillitis are severe, including significant sore throat, difficulty swallowing, or pus formation in the tonsils, eating chili peppers can strongly irritate the throat mucosa, exacerbating discomfort and potentially causing the inflammation to spread. At this stage, chili peppers and other spicy seasonings must be strictly avoided. The diet should mainly consist of cool, easily swallowed foods such as vegetable puree and milk to reduce the burden on the throat.
Drink plenty of warm water daily to keep the throat moist, rinse the mouth with salt water after meals to reduce bacterial growth. Ensure adequate rest, avoid excessive voice use, and maintain appropriate indoor humidity. These care measures can help the tonsillitis resolve more quickly and maintain throat health.