Can you drink vinegar when you have tonsillitis?
Disease description:
My mother usually enjoys eating vinegar—she even drinks the vinegar-based dressing left at the bottom of cold-dish plates. Recently, she developed tonsillitis but still wants to drink vinegar. Is it safe to consume vinegar during a tonsillitis episode?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Xu Gang
Patients with tonsillitis should avoid consuming vinegar. Large amounts of acetic acid can erode the inflamed mucosa of the throat, causing intense irritation. This may exacerbate symptoms such as sore throat and redness and swelling associated with tonsillitis, thereby hindering recovery. Patients are advised to follow a light, bland diet and avoid spicy, greasy, or cold, stimulating foods.
