Tonsillectomy recovery isn’t known for being a walk in the park. One of the biggest hurdles is managing the inevitable pain. Pain relief after tonsillectomy is an important aspect of recovery. In this post, we’ll see how to make swallowing less painful after tonsillectomy.

Understanding the Pain:

• It’s Normal: Expect moderate to severe throat pain, often radiating to the ears. This is due to the surgical removal of tissue and the resulting inflammation.
• Worse in the Morning: Pain tends to be more intense in the mornings after a night of swallowing less frequently.
• Peaks and Valleys: Pain typically peaks around days 3-5 post-surgery and gradually improves over the next 7-10 days, though it can linger for up to two weeks.
• Scabbing: White or yellow scabs will form in the surgical area. These are a normal part of healing and should notbe disturbed. Pain can fluctuate as the scabs fall off.

What helps with pain after tonsillectomy:

1. Medication is Key:
   • Prescribed Pain Relievers: Strictly adhere to your doctor’s prescribed pain medication schedule. Don’t wait for the pain to become unbearable before taking it. Consistent pain management is crucial.
2. Hydration is Your Friend:
   • Frequent Sips: Dehydration exacerbates pain. Sip cool liquids frequently, even if it hurts.
   • Cool Choices: Iced water, diluted juice, and electrolyte solutions are excellent choices. Avoid acidic juices, which can sting.
   • Ice Chips: Sucking on ice chips can numb the throat and provide temporary relief.
3. Dietary Considerations:
   • Soft Foods: Stick to a soft solid diet for the first few days. Examples include Idly, Idiyappam, dosa, aappam, curd rice, scrambled eggs. we encourage chewing well and swallowing.
   • Avoid Irritants: Steer clear of spicy, acidic, crunchy, or hard foods that can irritate the surgical site such as chips, pakoras, samosas, parotta.
   • Gradual Progression: As your pain improves, gradually reintroduce firmer foods.
4. Soothing Techniques:
   • Gargling: Warm saline gargles can help soothe the throat. Do this gently, and only as your doctor advises.
   • Rest: Adequate rest is essential for healing. Avoid strenuous activities and get plenty of sleep.
5. When to Seek Medical Attention:
   • Fresh Bleeding: Any sign of bright red bleeding from the mouth or nose requires immediate medical attention.
   • Severe Dehydration: Signs of dehydration include decreased urination, dizziness, and extreme thirst.
   • High Fever: A fever above 102°F (38.9°C) warrants a call to your doctor.
   • Difficulty Breathing: Any difficulty breathing or swallowing should be addressed immediately.
   • Uncontrolled Pain: If your pain is not adequately controlled with medication, contact your surgeon.
   • Foul smell: A very bad smell coming from the mouth can indicate infection, contact your doctor.

Recovering from a tonsillectomy takes time and patience. By following these tips and staying in close communication with your ENT surgeon, you can effectively manage your pain and ensure a smooth recovery. Contact us if you have any further questions about tonsillectomy and its recovery.