Tonsils are lumps of tissue at the back of the throat. They are a part of your body’s immune system and act as the first line of defense against germs that may enter your body through the mouse or nose. Tonsils can swell up when there is an infection, and in some cases, your doctor may suggest removing the tonsils. Tonsillectomy is a surgical procedure for the removal of tonsils. It is done for various reasons, some of the common ones being:
- Chronic Tonsillitis: Tonsillitis is the inflammation of the tonsils, and it is termed chronic if you have a sore throat due to swollen tonsils more than 6 to 7 times a year.
- Sleep Apnea: It is a serious sleeping disorder in which an individual may stop breathing for short intervals at night. It can occur due to tonsillitis, and any Best ENT specialist in Karachi can guide you on whether you should get a tonsillectomy.
What to expect after a Tonsillectomy?
Tonsillectomy is not a complicated procedure, and hospitalization after the surgery is rare. It doesn’t mean that you can resume normal operations immediately. Rest is essential to your recovery, so better take time off from school or work before you plan to get this surgery done. You may experience the following symptoms post-surgery:
• Throat pain
• Nausea or vomiting
• Fever
• Bad breath
• Swelling and soreness
• Change in voice
• Loss of appetite and weight loss
Taking care of yourself after a Tonsillectomy
1. Get proper rest
Even though the procedure isn’t concerning, taking proper rest is mandatory for your body to heal itself. Stay away from tiring activities such as running for the initial two weeks.
2. Drink plenty of fluids
Staying hydrated is essential for complete recovery. You can use popsicles and ice chips to keep up your hydration.
3. Eat easy to swallow foods
It becomes difficult to swallow whole foods after a tonsillectomy. Eat foods that do not cause extra pain while swallowing. Broth, applesauce, mashed bananas, and potatoes are some of the foods that you will find painless to swallow. You can also have ice cream and juices if don’t cause more pain.
4. Medications
Take the medications advised by your doctor regularly.
5. Stay in a clean environment
Stay away from dirt or dust as it may irritate your throat or even worsen your wounds.
Recovery timeline
The time it will take for you to recover depends on factors such as your age, overall health, immunity, and the technique by which the surgery was done. Young children may recover sooner as compared to teens and adults. Most individuals will be able to resume school or work as usual after two weeks of the surgery. The surgery may impact your voice which is likely to get better between two to six weeks. Resuming a regular lifestyle may vary according to how well you are feeling.
What should not happen after a tonsillectomy?
Risks are associated with almost all kinds of surgical procedures. You should consult the Best ENT specialist in Karachi if you face any of the following problems:
- Bright red bleeding
- Persistently high fever above 101°F
- Dehydration due to less fluid intake
- Pain that is not getting better even with medication
- Problem with breathing
Should I get a tonsillectomy?
As tonsillitis is not a worrying disease, doctors may not recommend removing tonsils unless it is absolutely necessary. However, if the complications of the tonsillitis are interfering with your everyday life, consult the Best ENT specialist in Lahore to discuss the way forward and get treatment.
