Viral throat infection - does this advice sound right re eating?

[HealthHelp]

I saw the gp today with throat symptoms - throat very swollen and difficulty swallowing food. He took a look and said it is very red, likely very inflammed further down where he can't see and diagnosed viral throat infection. It isn't particularly painful so much, just feels very swollen and uncomfortable.

He advised it was very important to eat and drink. I emphasised that I don't feel I can eat because of the swelling but I am drinking lots. He advised that I really needed to try to eat or it would get worse. I have really tried, but it makes me throat swell even more and really panics me.

I had thought the advice was to drink but eating was less important? I don't want to make my throat worse obvioisly. But right now I don't see how I can eat.

can you drink healthy calories, milk, protein shakes or fruit smoothies?

Yes I have eaten yoghurt and think I can manage smooth soup but when I mentioned this he said I need to eat something more solid or the swelling would get worse...

I hope you get answers. How chewing & swallowing chunks of food stops swelling is outside my knowledge.

Thanks Yeolde , it doesn't make sense to me...surely anything that irritates my throat will only make it swell more.

I have had tonsillitis lots of times and although not quite the same, i've always been told just to keep fluids going and not to worry about food.

Have you tried anything for the swelling? (Not sire if doctor has suggestrd anything) You could try some ibuprofen or even a throat spray both of which may help reduce the swelling - thus making eating easier.

No idea about how important its is to eat though. Not a doctor.

I know after having your tonsils out they now make you eat proper food. Don't know why but its important apparently.

Just looked it up and it says chewing and swallowing textured foods helps pain, cleanses the tonsil bed and prevents infection.

Oh really, that's interesting intents thank you. I wonder if it keeps everything open?

I haven't deathmetal as to be honest, and this slightly complicates things, I am currently trying for a baby and am due to test in a couple of days, so I don't want to take anything at the moment just incase.

Sorry cross post re the eating, thanks