Conclusions: Intraoperative application of cold water after tonsillectomy significantly reduced postoperative pain. We recommend cooling the
Offer your child small amounts of fluids (half a cup) every hour during waking hours for the first few days after his/her tonsillectomy. Try cool fluids first such as water, cordial, ice blocks, and non-acidic fruit juices (ie apple juice) and soft drinks (let them stand to de-fizz first).
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.
Doctors will encourage consumption of ice cream, yogurt, popsicles, and other soft foods after the procedure. These foods may even reduce the need for pain medication. A recent study revealed that ice cream significantly reduced pain after tonsillectomy. Soups and other warm foods can also help.
Avoid hot drinks, soda pop, orange or tomato juice, and other acidic foods that can sting the throat. These may make throat pain worse and cause bleeding.
We recommend cooling the tonsillar fossa and pharyngeal mucosa with cold water during tonsillectomy to easily and effectively reduce post-tonsillectomy pain.
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.
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.
Milk products are okay, but increase mucous. Avoid tart fruit juices (orange, grapefruit and tomato juice). You may start small amounts of soft foods when your child drinks well after surgery.
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 uvula (the thing that hangs down from the palate) may be swollen for the first few days and touch the tongue, occasionally causing a gagging sensation.
It is common for your child to have a temporary sore throat for about 2-3 weeks after getting tonsils and adenoids removed. The pain will be most severe for the first week after surgery and will usually be gone in 2-3 weeks.
Drink as much fluid as possible. Remember, “ A DRY THROAT IS A SORE THROAT”. Gargling with a mouthwash that has a local anesthetic is excellent. This may burn for the first few seconds but then numbs the throat especially before eating and early in the morning on awakening.
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.
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.
Avoid citrus: Food and drinks with high citric acid levels, such as tomato juice and lemonade, can sting and cause pain. Avoid very hot things: Don't try to swallow hot beverages or soups. Eat soft foods: Steer clear of foods with hard or sharp edges, which can scratch and irritate a sore throat.
The scabs usually fall off in small pieces. There may also be a small amount of bleeding. Most people swallow the scabs, often without realizing. Recovery from a tonsillectomy can take 10–14 days.
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.
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.
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.
Trouble sleeping at night. You may experience some difficult sleeping at night in the days following the procedure. This is common because it can be uncomfortable to breathe through your mouth right after surgery. This should subside once the healing process begins.
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.
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.
Your child should not drink through a straw after surgery until his throat is completely healed. Using a straw may increase the risk of bleeding. Give frequent small feedings of soft foods and cool liquids.