Sore throat is one of the annoying problems that many people suffer from after tonsillectomy, as pain during swallowing makes it difficult to eat. However, there are effective natural methods that can be used to treat sore throat after this operation. In the following report   Dalili Medical reviews some of these methods, based on information from our sites.

What is the ideal age to have tonsillectomy?

 

According to the guidelines of the German Association of Otorhinolaryngologists, it is preferable to have tonsillectomy after the child reaches the age of four. This is due to the importance of tonsils in promoting the growth and development of the immune system in children. Although the operation can be performed at a younger age, it is preferable to postpone it until the child reaches a stage of physical maturity and an appropriate diet to recover from tonsil and adenoid surgery.

Is tonsillectomy easy or difficult?

 

Tonsillectomy is a common and relatively easy surgical procedure.

Does the voice change after tonsillectomy?

 

Yes, the voice may change after tonsillectomy. In some cases, tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy can lead to a change in voice, due to the reduction in the size of the pharyngeal cavity after the operation.

**Feeding system after tonsillectomy**

 

The feeding system after tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy in children is very important, as it must be comprehensive and contain all the necessary nutrients to ensure an easy recovery period. Pain may make it difficult to feed the child, but it is necessary not to overlook the importance of proper nutrition to help restore his health as quickly as possible. The tonsils are located as two large masses of tissue in the back of the throat. Although the tonsillectomy procedure is considered short, simple and safe, the pain following surgery can be severe, requiring special care and following an appropriate diet as recommended by doctors. It is not enough to provide ice cream and drinks only as is common, but the diet must include a variety of foods that contribute to accelerating the recovery process. The basic instructions regarding the feeding system after tonsillectomy include the foods that should be given to the child, as these foods contribute to accelerating the recovery process and wound healing. Among these foods:

- **Milk jelly**: Boil a cup of milk with a spoonful of honey and a spoonful of gelatin for five minutes, then leave it to cool before putting it in the refrigerator.

- **Rice milk**: Soak the rice the night before, then boil it with milk, cream and honey for 40 minutes, and serve it after it becomes lukewarm.

- **Cooked potatoes and broccoli**: Serve with butter and a little cream.

- **Chicken harissa**: Cook the chicken with lentils and onions, then mash it with cream and serve it after it cools down a little.

- It is preferable to avoid giving orange juice or sour fruits to children, as they may cause irritation.

- The best juices for children after tonsillectomy are natural carrot juice, apple juice, and sweet lemon juice.

- It is recommended to give several servings of ice cream to children to cool their bodies.

- It is necessary to adhere to giving the child the prescribed medications after surgery regularly, such as antibiotics, to speed up the wound healing process.

**Feeding system after tonsillectomy for adults**

 

Soft and easy-to-swallow foods such as ice cream, jelly, pudding, and low-fat yogurt should be provided. Hot foods, dry foods, spicy foods, or foods containing strong spices should be completely avoided to avoid any complications.

After 24 hours of surgery, and when nausea has subsided, it is recommended to eat liquid or semi-solid foods, preferably cold or lukewarm, for a period of 3 to 4 days. It is also preferable to give the necessary painkillers to relieve the feeling of pain.

Plain ice cream without flavor or nuts, jelly, and plain sweets without chocolate or additives are the best food choices, as they do not cause irritation or coughing.

You should also avoid eating red foods in any form, to avoid confusing them with blood in the event of vomiting.

**After tonsillectomy**

A tonsillectomy is recommended for people who suffer from strep throat and frequent fevers throughout the year, or who experience severe sleep apnea. The recovery period for adults may be more difficult than for children. Here are the most important tips to follow after the operation:

- Drink plenty of fluids.

- It is preferable to eat a liquid diet or soft foods for a few days after tonsillectomy.

- Ice cream and cold drinks such as water, grape or apple juice, in addition to non-alcoholic drinks can be eaten during this period.

- It is preferable to avoid orange or grapefruit juice.

- It is recommended to eat unseasoned and soft foods, such as jelly, applesauce, and mashed potatoes.

- It is preferable to use a cool humidifier at home to maintain the air humidity and soothe the wound.

Rest for a week after the operation.

Avoid contact with people who suffer from colds, sore throats, and flu.

Diet plan after tonsillectomy:

The person who underwent the surgery should avoid eating hot and spicy foods, and instead, should eat warm and soft foods. After five to six hours of the operation, he can eat soft and pasteurized ice cream or drink cold water as desired. The diet should be followed in the following order:

**Day 1:** Have a glass of milk or gelato.

**Day 2:** You can drink cold tea, milk, yogurt, yoghurt, non-alcoholic natural juice, and rice milk.

**Day 3:** Add lukewarm soup, eggs with honey, and biscuits soaked in tea to the previous diet.

**Days 4 and 5Fifth:** Add boiled potatoes to the mentioned diet.

**From the sixth day to the second week:** The patient should consume liquid drinks and soft foods, and from the third week he does not follow any specific diet.

The patient must adhere to taking the medications prescribed by the doctor. It is recommended to avoid solid foods such as seeds, pistachios, chips, hard bread, and rice, in addition to sticky foods. During the recovery period, a white layer may appear at the site of the operation, which is normal and does not indicate an infection.

Reasons for eating ice cream after tonsillectomy

Following an appropriate diet is essential to promote recovery as quickly as possible. Ice cream is considered one of the beneficial foods at this stage, as it plays an important role in accelerating the wound healing process and has many other benefits.

In 1-2% of patients, bleeding may occur, so eating ice cream can help reduce the risk of bleeding after tonsillectomy. Ice cream is also used to relieve redness. Ice cream is considered a healthy food, and its nutritional value in terms of calories and fat depends on the type of cream, egg yolk, milk, or sweeteners used in it, which contain vitamin B2 and calcium. In addition, ice cream contains about four times more energy than that found in fatty milk. It is preferable to eat several servings of ice cream after the operation to help relieve heat and prevent hot flashes. It is also recommended to be well hydrated, as you should drink 6-8 cups of water daily, as dehydration may lead to increased inflammation of the wound after the operation.

**Nutrition after tonsil and adenoid surgery for children**

 

After tonsil and adenoid surgery, there are a group of healthy foods that children can eat, including:

- **Dairy products**: such as yogurt and curdled milk.

- **Cheese and milk**.

- **Fruits**: such as bananas, watermelon, and mashed apples.

- **Vegetables**: such as boiled potatoes, broccoli, peas, and carrots.

- **Proteins**: such as eggs, minced meat or chicken.

- **Fish**: It is preferable to eat boneless fillets, as they are soft and easy to swallow, making sure to remove the spines.

- **Legumes**: such as beans, lentil soup, and peanut butter.

Tonsillectomy Procedures

Tonsillectomy is performed based on several factors, such as the patient's condition and the condition of the tonsils, in addition to the evaluation of the ENT doctor. The tonsils are located at the end of the throat, behind the tongue, and play an important role in the immune system, as they are part of the body's defense mechanisms.

Tonsillectomy methods include the following:

 

1. **Traditional removal (Tonsillectomy)**: In this method, the tonsils are completely removed. This process takes longer than other methods, and may be accompanied by some bleeding and pain after surgery.

2. **Laser tonsillectomy**: In this method, damaged tissue is removed from the tonsils using a laser, leaving a thin layer to preserve the muscles under the throat.

**Procedures required before tonsillectomy**

 

Before tonsillectomy, it is necessary to perform the required tests and examinations, which include the following:

Tonsillectomy is usually performed in an outpatient clinic. Physical examination and review of medical records are essential steps that must be evaluated before surgery.

If you are taking any medications, it is preferable to inform your doctor. It is also recommended to stop taking non-steroidal painkillers for a week before the surgery.

On the day of the operation, it is preferable to fast for eight hours and avoid eating and drinking. This means that you can return home on the same day of the surgery.

Tonsillectomy can be performed in two ways: tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy. The operation is performed after the patient is anesthetized by an ENT doctor, and the appropriate technique for removing the tonsils is chosen based on the patient's condition and the doctor's assessment. Tonsillectomy is performed under anesthesia, and the duration of the operation varies depending on the type of surgery, but it usually takes about two hours.

**Post-tonsillectomy Symptoms**

 

After tonsillectomy, the following symptoms may appear, which are considered normal body reactions during the recovery period and do not require concern:

- A temporary change in the child's voice may occur, and this change usually lasts for no more than a month before the voice returns to normal.

- Sore throat may be moderate to severe, and lasts for a period ranging from one to two weeks.

- The child may suffer from nausea and vomiting for several days after the operation.

- Bad breath may appear, which may last up to two weeks.

- The child may suffer from insomnia or sleep disturbances.

- He may face difficulties swallowing, which are temporary symptoms that improve within less than a month.

The child faces difficulty breathing during the first period after the operation due to temporary swelling in the surgical area, but this swelling gradually disappears. Breathing improves significantly within a period ranging from two to three weeks.

**When does the tonsillectomy wound heal?**

 

The tonsillectomy wound usually takes a period ranging from two to three weeks to fully heal. After the procedure, the wound begins to gradually improve, with the child or adult feeling a noticeable improvement in pain and discomfort after the first few days. During this period, the patient may notice changes in the color of the wound, as it gradually turns from white to pink as the healing process progresses. It is essential that the patient follow the doctor's instructions carefully during the recovery period to ensure that the wound heals well and quickly. This includes getting enough rest, eating cold liquids and soft foods, and avoiding solid or spicy foods that may irritate the wound. In addition, musk can be usedPainkillers and anti-inflammatory medications if prescribed by your doctor. Although most patients feel much better after two weeks, it is best to avoid strenuous physical activity until the wound is completely healed. If you have any concerns about the healing period or notice any abnormal signs such as heavy bleeding or a high temperature, you should consult your doctor immediately. Adhering to medical instructions will greatly speed up the healing process.

Children aged 2 to 5 years:

 

- Feeling better: This usually happens within a few days.

- Return to daily activities: This can be done before two weeks. It should be noted that children of this age often want to return to their usual activities before this, but due to the increased risk of bleeding during the period of 7 to 10 days after surgery, strenuous activities such as running should be avoided.

Children aged 5 to 12 years:

 

- Feeling better: within the first week

- Ability to eat solid foods: after two weeks

- Resuming normal activities: after two weeks

Full recovery: within a year

Teenagers aged 12 to 19 years

 

Feeling better: after about two weeks

Ability to eat solid foods: after two weeks

Return to daily activities: after two weeks

Full recovery: within a year

Healthy people aged 19 years and older:

 

- Feeling better: within two weeks or later

- Ability to eat solid foods: after two weeks

- Return to daily activities: two to three weeks after the operation

- Full recovery: after one year

**Side effects after tonsillectomy**

After tonsillectomy, some side effects may occur, including:

1. **Bleeding**: Bleeding may occur either immediately after the operation or after a week. In this case, the patient should consult a doctor immediately to receive the necessary treatment for blood clotting.

2. **High temperature**: It is possible for the body temperature to rise after the operation, which is common, but it is usually temporary.

3. **Severe pain**: The patient may suffer from severe pain that affects his ability to eat, which may lead to weakness and emaciation. In some cases, the patient may need to stay in the hospital to receive intravenous nutrition.

4. **The appearance of purulent secretions and ulcers**: The appearance of these secretions is considered normal, as the doctor will explain to the patient. These secretions usually disappear with time.

5** The appearance of purulent secretions and ulcers: This is considered normal, and the doctor will inform you of this, and these secretions may also disappear with time.

6 **Swelling in the area surrounding the tonsils: This occurs as a result of the operation in this area, and some side effects often appear in the mouth.

7** Change in voice: However, this varies from person to person, and it is not a condition that everyone who has undergone a tonsillectomy suffers from.

8** Difficulty breathing: which may lead to increased feelings of anxiety and tension during the day, in addition to insomnia and sleep disturbances at night.

**Post-tonsillectomy warnings**

To avoid complications or damage after the operation, it is recommended to consider the following points:

1. **Avoid dairy products**: It is preferable to refrain from eating them during the first 24 hours after the operation to reduce the possibility of feeling nausea and vomiting.

2. **Do not speak loudly**: Raising the voice should be avoided, as this may lead to inflammation in the throat area. It is important to keep the patient away from any sources of stress that may prompt him to raise his voice.

3. **Avoid spicy foods**: It is recommended to stay away from spicy foods because they may irritate the throat and increase the feeling of pain.

4. **Avoid solid foods**: It is preferable not to eat foods that are difficult to swallow, as they can lead to sores in the throat and cause bleeding.

5. **Stay away from sources of viruses**: It is recommended to avoid crowded places to reduce the chances of infection such as cough and flu, which are considered annoying diseases after tonsillectomy.

6. **Avoid strenuous activity**: Strenuous activities should be avoided, as this may increase the likelihood of bleeding in the surgical area.

Is tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy for children dangerous or does it have potential complications?

 

Tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy for children, like any other surgical procedure, is accompanied by some risks and potential complications, including:

- **Anesthesia interactions**: The medications used in anesthesia during the operation may lead to minor and temporary problems, such as headache, nausea, vomiting, or muscle tension.

- **Swelling**: Swelling of the tongue and roof of the mouth may occur, which may cause breathing difficulties, especially in the first hours after surgery.

- **Bleeding during surgery**: In rare cases, severe bleeding may occur during the operation, which requires additional treatment and may prolong the hospital stay.

- **Bleeding during wound healing**: Bleeding can occur during the wound healing period, especially if the ulcer formed on the wound is moved too early.

- **Infection**: In rare cases, surgery may lead to an infection that requires additional treatment.

Natural ways to relieve sore throat after tonsillectomy

- **Drink warm drinks**  Drinking warm drinks, such as tea with honey, can help relieve congestion after tonsillectomy, as they work to moisturize the throat and reduce inflammation.

- **Gargle with salt water** Gargling with a mixture of water, salt, and sodium bicarbonate every three hours is an effective way to relieve sore throat and reduce swelling, in addition to breaking up stuck mucus, with the need to avoid swallowing it.

- **Eating honey** Honey is an effective treatment for sore throat, thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties that help soothe congestion.

- **IHumidifier**  It is recommended to operate a humidifier in the patient's room after tonsillectomy, as dry air can worsen sore throat.

- **Avoid solid foods**  The diet after tonsillectomy should be free of solid foods, as they may increase sore throat due to difficulty swallowing.

- **Eating ice cream** Ice cream should be eaten after tonsillectomy, as the coldness of ice cream helps numb the throat, which contributes to relieving pain and soothing congestion temporarily.

**Following the doctor's instructions** You must adhere to the doctor's instructions regarding taking medications and painkillers. The antibiotic prescribed by the doctor helps heal the throat and reduces the risk of infection, and helps relieve difficulty breathing. As for painkillers, when taken at the specified times, they prevent the pain from worsening. If you wait to take painkillers until after the pain begins, it may become difficult to control.

**Getting rest** It is important to avoid any strenuous physical effort or activity, and it is preferable to lie on the bed as much as possible with a raised pillow under the head. This helps reduce swelling of the mucous membranes in the operation area and relieves pain. If the patient is a child and does not want to stay in bed, he can move around the house, but his movement should be limited to avoid feeling uncomfortable.

**Drink plenty of fluids** Fluids help constrict blood vessels, so doctors usually recommend them after tonsillectomy. Dry mouth can also increase pain and inflammation.

**Eat light foods** It is preferable to eat foods that are easy to swallow, such as boiled and mashed foods, whether fruits or potatoes, in addition to soup, yogurt, and jelly.

**Chew gum** Chewing gum helps restore the movement of the mouth and throat muscles to their normal position.

**Eat honey** It is recommended to continue eating honey during the days following the operation, as it helps speed up wound healing and relieve pain.

**Placing an ice cube on the neck** This method is effective in reducing swelling and providing comfort to the patient.