Things To Keep In Mind While Recovering From Tonsillectomy

By Author: When your tonsils get sore and infected, it become
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When your tonsils get sore and infected, it becomes difficult to eat or breathe at night. The doctor may suggest you to have an operation called tonsillectomy to remove the tonsils.
This surgery involves using a conventional scalpel for removing the tonsils. There are other alternatives to this traditional method also. These days, medical practitioners are increasingly using techniques such as lasers, ultrasonic energy, radio waves, or even electro cautery to cut, burn, or evaporate away the enlarged tonsils.

The night before surgery, you’re not allowed to eat or drink anything after dinner, not even water. This is because your surgeon doesn't want you to throw up during the operation. It would be a mess. The surgery lasts for only about 20 minutes and is performed under anaesthesia.

You might be wondering what happens after a tonsillectomy? How to recover from a tonsil surgery?

Here are some points to keep in mind for the post-operative care:

• A sore throat normally persists for two weeks following the surgery. ...
... There is a significant pain following the procedure and it may necessitate a hospital stay.
• Recovery can take from 7-10 days. During recovery proper hydration is very important since dehydration can increase throat pain.
• At some point, usually after 7–11 days of surgery bleeding may occur when the scabs begin sloughing off from the surgical area. The overall risk of bleeding is only 1% or 2%.
• Pain relief can be provided by relatively mild narcotic analgesics.
• Tonsillectomy is quite more painful in adults than children, although there are always individual variations in response.
• Children who have had a tonsillectomy should be kept off school for two weeks. This is done to reduce their risk of getting infected from another child that will make them feel more uncomfortable.
• Swallowing is rather difficult after having a tonsillectomy. But you must eat solid foods since they help your throat to heal quickly. You must also drink plenty of fluids however; avoid acidic drinks like orange juice as it will sting.
• Ensure a good oral hygiene post surgery. You must regularly brush your teeth and use mouthwash to prevent infection in the mouth.
• Earache is common with tonsillectomies so it isn't a major cause for concern.
• You need to take it easy for a few days after surgery. You can do light activities at home.
• While you're recovering, the doctor prescribes medication so that you don't hurt and can eat and drink with ease. They might also suggest antibiotics to prevent infection.
• You may see little white patches at the back of your throat. This is normal and there’s nothing to panic. After the first week, these patches will begin to fall off. You should return to see your doctor for a checkup.