Chew Ice Constantly Ice is one of the best things to have during a tonsillectomy recovery. Ice keeps the incision site moist during recovery and this is very important for speedy healing. The cold temperature of ice also helps to numb pain and reduce swelling.
You should rest at home for the first 48 hours. Activity may increase as strength returns. Generally, you may return to work approximately 10 days following a tonsillectomy, and about 3 days after an adenoidectomy. You should avoid vigorous activity for 14 days after surgery.
The pain may be the worst for 3-4 days after surgery. One to two weeks after surgery, pain may worsen because the scabs are falling off. It is important to control your child's pain after surgery. This helps your child drink and eat.
Hydrate: the cooler the better.
The more cold liquids your child drinks after surgery, the better their throat will feel and the more they will stay hydrated. We recommend milk, juice, water, or Gatorade until their throat is fully healed. Hot liquids can worsen the throat swelling and pain.
Most people will fully recover from a tonsillectomy in around 14 days, although some may take longer. During this time, pain medications and home care strategies can decrease discomfort. Those who have severe pain, vomiting, high fever, or lots of bleeding should contact their doctor immediately.
Swelling and Bruising.
Tissue injury, whether accidental or intentional (e.g. surgery), is followed by localized swelling. After surgery, swelling increases progressively, reaching its peak by the third day. It is generally worse when you first arise in the morning and decreases throughout the day.
Avoid acidic, spicy, hard or crunchy foods that may cause pain or bleeding. Rest. Bed rest is important for several days after surgery, and strenuous activities — such as running and bike riding — should be avoided for two weeks after surgery.
Some patients find that small sips of ginger ale or a cola drink may help to relieve nausea. Small portions of bananas, applesauce, moistened graham crackers or soda crackers may be helpful prior to taking medications. You may wish to avoid acidic products such as orange juice.
Tonsillectomy and Adenoidectomy. Are cold-like symptoms after a tonsillectomy or adenoidectomy (such as a cough and congestion) normal? Yes. Cold and congestion symptoms are normal due to recovering from anesthesia/intubation as well as increased production of secretions when recovering from surgery.
Throat pain builds up for the first few days and is usually at its the worst around the fifth day after surgery. Pain and discomfort will usually then ease until the seventh or ninth day after surgery when some of the scab covering the tonsillectomy site falls off. After this there is a steady reduction in pain.
Your child may have bad breath, “stuffy nose” and drainage for 7 to 10 days after surgery. This is normal and will go away as he or she heals. Your child may have ear pain up to a week after surgery and it may be worse at night. This is normal and is coming from the tonsil area.
Your child will need pain medication for up to two weeks and their pain may get worse before it gets better. The 4th or 5th day after the surgery is a common time for the pain to get temporarily worse. Signs of pain in younger children may be crying more often, or refusal to eat or drink.
How long do tonsillectomy scabs last? Most scabs only last 5-10 days. Then, they naturally flake off. Tonsillectomy scabs may last longer on larger wounds created when large tonsils are removed.
Pain is often worse at night and may prompt the need for more pain medication. A single dose of Tylenol or Motrin in the middle of the night the day of the procedure can help significantly to reduce pain the morning after surgery.
Activity Level: Light activity and adequate rest are recommended for the first few days. Sleeping with the head elevated 30 to 45 degrees or in a recliner for 3-4 days will reduce the swelling in the throat.
The pain was evaluated using visual analogue scale (VAS) on a scale of 0–10, with 0 representing no pain at all and 10 worst possible pain. Postoperative pain was consider mild if EVA ranges between 0.00 and 2.99; moderate when ranges between 3.00 and 6.99, and severe pain when it was greater than 7.00.
Avoid hot fluids and acidic or citrus fluids (orange, lemon, pineapple and tomato juice) as these may sting your child's throat. Regular pain-relief medication will make your child more comfortable and able to swallow fluids more easily.
You can brush your teeth after the first night. You may have bad smelling breath as you heal. Avoid mouthwash for 1 week. You may gargle gently with a solution made of 1 teaspoon of baking soda mixed with 250 ml (1 cup) of water.
Try to avoid coughing, sneezing, clearing the throat or blowing the nose vigorously for two weeks.
It can result in dysphagia or the feeling of something stuck at the back of the throat, a sensation that can be worrisome to patients. Oedema typically resolves spontaneously within a few days; however, oral steroids may be required in severe cases.
After tonsillectomy: The day after the surgery, a soft diet can be started and given as tolerated. Examples of a soft diet include: soggy cereal, oatmeal, porridge, pancakes, a sandwich, fish, eggs, cheese, pasta, rice, milkshake, well cooked vegetables, soft fruits, ice-cream, pudding, soup, etc.
At days 5-7 most experience a worsening of their sore throat; this is due to the healing process and is no cause for alarm. Ear pain is common; this is actually referred pain from the throat. The throat will have thick white patches where the tonsils were, these are normal healing areas and are not a sign of infection.
The surgeon will place a small tool into your child's mouth to hold it open. The surgeon then cuts, burns, or shaves away the tonsils. The wounds heal naturally without stitches.
Gargling with honey led to reduced pain following tonsillectomy. Honey was found to lower prostaglandin levels and elevate nitric oxide. Honey can be used as an adjunctive regimen after surgery for better pain control. Honey is easy to use, safe to consume orally and available at low cost locally.