Background information
Coffee is a widely consumed hot drink worldwide and has long been associated with its effects on alertness and wakefulness, with some even referring to it as being a widely-used mood-booster. The caffeine in coffee is thought to be the most widely used pharmacologically active drug across the world. As its stimulant effects are often hailed and welcomed, it can be difficult to limit intake or abstain from coffee in the face of health woes. One such dilemma arises when coffee consumption is up against tonsillitis.
Defining Tonsillitis
Tonsillitis is an inflammation of the tonsils (known as palatal tonsils). It is a contagious infection that can be caused by a virus, fungus or bacterium, most often the opportunistic bacterium Streptococcus pyogenes. Symptoms of tonsillitis include a sore throat that often extends beyond the tonsils, redness of the tonsils and throat, bad breath and odour, difficulty swallowing, white or yellow patches on the tonsils, swollen glands in the neck, fever, and aching of the neck. It is advised to seek medical help in times of difficulty in the case of tonsillitis.
Risks of Consuming Coffee while Having Tonsillitis
When one has tonsillitis, ingesting coffee might be an unadvisable move in light of its potential effects. Some of the risks associated with drinking coffee with tonsillitis include heightened symptoms such as a dry or scratchy throat and irritation caused by the acidity contained in coffee. Furthermore, acidic substances can worsen the throat pain caused by inflamed tonsils because the stomach’s natural acidity is already lowered due to the infection.
Rare but Severe Risks
Although rare, some people with tonsillitis may find themselves at risk for a very serious health issue by continuing or commencing coffee drinking. A case report by the New England Journal of Medicine found a link between Streptococcus pyogenes, the bacterium responsible for most cases of tonsillitis, and coffee with a fatal outcome. A 49-year-old man with tonsillitis who consumed coffee developed an anaphylactic hypersensitivity to caffeine which resulted in his cardiac arrest and eventual death. This serious allergy might be provoked by a combination of tonsillitis, caffeine and injury to the oropharynx.
Alternatives to Coffee
Given the risks associated with drinking coffee while having tonsillitis, it is best to opt out of coffee while infected. There are several alternatives to coffee, such as herbal teas, hot water with honey and lemon, or fruit juice. Other non-caffeinated beverages, such as decaffeinated coffee, naturally caffeine-free herbal teas and hot Apple-Cider Vinegar can all be consumed as an alternative to regular coffee to help reduce throat pain.
What to do When the Tonsillitis has Resolved
When the tonsillitis has subsided, and the inflammation and throat pain alleviated, it is generally safe to drink coffee. When choosing to consume coffee again, however, it is highly advised to opt for lighter-roast coffees as they contain less caffeine than dark roasts and have a more mellow and smoother taste. Furthermore, it is also beneficial to drink milder coffees such as a light Americano or a cappuccino, as they do not contain more than the 155mg of caffeine found in an 8oz cup of hot brewed coffee.
The Role of Coffee in Tonsillitis
The role of coffee consumption with tonsillitis has not been well studied, and more studies are needed to further assess the effects of coffee on inflamed tonsils. While it is not generally recommended to drink coffee while infected, it is also unlikely that consuming a cup or two will worsen the symptoms. Therefore, caution is advised and medical advice sought should a worsening of symptoms occur when drinking coffee.
Are there Benefits to Drinking Coffee with Tonsillitis?
It is worth noting the contra-indications of coffee and the risks posed to people with tonsillitis. However, coffee does offer a range of therapeutic advantages when consumed sensibly and in moderation. Natural compounds called flavonoids in coffee have antioxidant properties and are associated with a reduced risk of some types of cancer and cardiovascular diseases. Coffee also has a role to play in increasing alertness and concentration, as well as being linked to decreased risk of depression, diabetes, and chronic inflammation.
The effects on Sleep Quality
Though coffee has its advantages, the effects of excessively consuming coffee need to be kept in mind. When excessively, the stimulant effects of caffeine interfere with sleep, despite invigorating the individual during the day, and the risk increases in people sensitive to the effects of caffeine. Therefore, it is advised to consume coffee in moderation and avoid it close to bedtime, to ensure maximum therapeutic benefit, good sleep quality and restoration of the body.
Managing Stress Levels
Alongside physical symptoms, tonsillitis can also present with psychological symptoms such as irritability, fatigue, and stress. Oftentimes, the latter can be managed with an appropriate dietary plan, such as one that incorporates the moderate consumption of coffee. Research has pointed to the mood-elevating effects of caffeine, with one study finding that those who took part in stressful activities had a quicker psychic recovery when they consumed hot coffees with milk.
Managing Different Preferences
Given the potential risks and benefits of drinking coffee when one is suffering from tonsillitis, actual individual preferences should be taken into consideration as it can be difficult to limit intake or abstain from coffee in spite of health woes. If people can identify the pleasures and gratification that trigger their coffee drinking habits, understanding and addressing these can offer non-habit-forming alternatives to manage strain experienced from not drinking coffee.
