The removal of tonsils and sometimes, adenoids is a common throat surgery. It resolves breathing obstruction, throat infections, and ear disease among children.
Swollen Uvula After Tonsillectomy
The pain following the surgery is imminent. The following information can help people understand more about the condition.
- The pain is an unpleasant side-effect of the surgery.Its intensity is similar to the pain when there was still the throat infection; however, this time the pain is also felt in the ears. Moreover, the pain is controllable with medications
- Post-operative bleeding may also occur in around 2% of cases, which are mostly instant although it can also happen anytime within the first two weeks after the surgery
- The treatment for bleeding is done in outpatient care, however, there are times when it needs to be controlled inside the operating room with the treatment of general anesthesia
- There may be low-grade fever up to 101.5 degrees Fahrenheit temperature after tonsillectomy
- The throat may be in bad appearance
- The throat may emit bad odor
Recovery Period for Swollen Uvula After Tonsillectomy
Before the surgery, the physician or surgeon will discuss with the patient the significance of drinking lots of fluids after the operation. The recovery period of tonsillectomy is characterized with pain and swollen uvula. The recovery period comes in two phases—
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Severe. In the first phase of recovery period, the pain will last from five to seven days in children and seven to ten days for those who are 12 years old and above.
It is this time when the throat is re-growing its cover. -
Less severe. The second period lasts for another five to seven days in children and seven to ten days for 12 years old and above. In this period, there is still pain in yawning, coughing, and sneezing. However, the tissue on the throat will now look gray.
Tips to Reduce Swelling
Dehydration is the worst enemy of recovery period. Lack of water can magnify the pain and increase the risks of infection and bleeding. It will also delay the healing period. Here are some of the tips to reduce the discomfort and swelling after the surgery.
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Drink lots of liquid especially water and fresh juices.
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Avoid carbonated and acidic beverages and foods which are hard and sharp-edged like pretzels, chips, and popcorn.
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Red liquids intake should be avoided especially in the first phase of recovery period because it can be mistaken as blood stains and may cause undue anxiety and worries if you spit and there is red stains on it.
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Avoid dairy products as well as they may thicken the throat secretions in some children
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Refrain from doing strenuous activities.