Strep throat is a bacterial infection caused by Group A Streptococcus that results in significant inflammation and severe pain in the throat and tonsils. This condition makes swallowing painful. While eating pizza will not medically worsen the underlying infection, it is strongly advised against due to the intense physical discomfort it will likely cause. Consuming a food with multiple irritating components will only exacerbate the misery of the illness.
Why Eating Pizza is Problematic
The primary issue with eating pizza is the high acidity of the tomato-based sauce, which acts as a chemical irritant to the inflamed throat lining. The acidity can cause an immediate burning sensation as it passes over the swollen tissues, similar to the discomfort experienced with acid reflux. This irritation can heighten the existing pain and potentially prolong the local symptoms in the pharynx.
Beyond the sauce’s chemical nature, the texture of the pizza presents a significant physical risk to the sensitive throat. The crust, particularly the edges, is often rough, crispy, or sharp, creating an abrasive texture that can physically scrape the already tender tonsils and throat tissues. Even well-chewed food can cause mechanical irritation when forced past the swollen throat.
The temperature at which pizza is typically consumed also contributes to the problem. Hot food or drinks can increase inflammation in an already irritated area, amplifying the feeling of pain and swelling. While eating pizza piping hot may feel comforting initially, the heat can quickly aggravate the inflamed tissues. Focus instead on lukewarm or room-temperature items, avoiding foods that are excessively hot or extremely cold.
General Dietary Guidelines for Strep Throat
Soft Food Options
When your throat is inflamed, the best choices are foods that are smooth, soft, and easy to swallow without any abrasive edges. These foods require minimal chewing and glide easily past the throat, providing necessary calories and nutrients without causing further irritation.
Recommended options include:
- Plain yogurt
- Mashed potatoes
- Well-cooked cereals
- Soft-scrambled eggs
Soothing Cold Foods
Cool foods can be particularly soothing because the cold temperature helps to temporarily numb the throat and reduce localized inflammation. These cold options offer a welcome break from the persistent pain associated with the bacterial infection.
Excellent choices for this purpose are:
- Gelatin
- Applesauce
- Smoothies
- Popsicles
- Sherbet
Conversely, you should avoid anything that is spicy, crunchy, or highly acidic until your symptoms improve. This includes spicy seasoning, chips, nuts, crackers, rough vegetables, and acidic fruit juices like orange or grapefruit juice. These foods can either chemically sting the raw tissues or physically scratch them, immediately worsening the pain and swallowing difficulty.
Hydration and Recovery
Maintaining consistent fluid intake is the most important aspect of managing strep throat symptoms. Fever and the difficulty of swallowing can increase the risk of dehydration, making it difficult for the body to fight off the infection effectively. Drinking fluids keeps the throat tissues moist, which helps reduce the pain associated with swallowing.
It is important to sip fluids frequently throughout the day, even if swallowing is painful, rather than trying to drink large amounts at once. Water, diluted fruit juices, and clear broths are excellent choices to replenish fluids and electrolytes. Lukewarm herbal teas with a small amount of honey can also be very soothing to the throat.
Once antibiotic treatment begins, the severe throat pain typically starts to subside quickly, often within 24 to 48 hours. After this initial period of improvement, and once you have been on the medication for at least a full day, you can cautiously begin to reintroduce more solid foods. Only attempt to eat foods like pizza when swallowing is no longer painful and you are well into your recovery phase.