Things to avoid after tonsillectomy

After a tonsillectomy, patients should rest, avoid exercise, and refrain from eating cold, hard, or spicy foods to prevent irritation.

Tonsillectomy is indicated by doctors when patients experience frequent tonsillitis, chronic tonsillitis, or respiratory problems related to sleep such as sleep apnea. There are several methods of tonsillectomy. The preparation and procedure usually take 1-2 hours, depending on the type of surgery.

According to Dr. Nguyen Trung Nguyen (ENT Center, Tam Anh General Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City), after surgery, patients will experience sore throat, ranging from mild to moderate. Within 1-2 weeks after tonsillectomy, patients may experience symptoms such as jaw pain, pain radiating to the neck and ears, nausea, difficulty speaking, hoarseness, bad breath, swelling of the tongue and throat, fever, etc. To reduce pain, speed recovery, and prevent complications after tonsillectomy, patients should follow these guidelines.

Avoid hot, hard foods : For the first 7 days after tonsillectomy, you should avoid eating hot foods. Some hard foods like toast, bacon, and french fries should also be limited. Patients should eat soft, liquid, and cool foods such as porridge, cooked cereals, soup, bananas, and cooked vegetables.

Avoid mouth sprays : Patients may experience bad breath after tonsillectomy. This occurs because the tissues surrounding the tonsils are damaged during surgery, and the tongue swells, causing food to become trapped. Patients should avoid using mouth sprays or breath mints during this time, as they can increase the risk of infection. Over-the-counter mouthwashes tend to dry out the throat and cause discomfort, so their use should also be limited. Bad breath usually disappears once the throat heals. Proper oral hygiene and avoiding contact with chemicals for about two weeks are also important considerations.

Mouthwash can dry out the throat and is not suitable for people who have recently had their tonsils removed. (Image: Freepik)

Avoid cold, sour, and spicy foods : Cold foods like ice and ice cream irritate the tonsil lining, delaying wound healing. Additionally, foods containing natural acids, such as citrus fruits, and spicy foods can cause severe pain and irritation, burning the throat and causing discomfort for those who have just had their tonsils removed.

Avoid speaking loudly : For 1-2 weeks after tonsillectomy, patients should limit speaking loudly and avoid shouting. These actions irritate the throat and larynx, affecting the surgical wound.

Avoid taking aspirin : This group of drugs can thin the blood, affecting how quickly wounds heal.

Avoid exercise : Patients should prioritize rest after tonsillectomy and should avoid strenuous exercise for at least one week. Sports such as marathon running, swimming, weightlifting, and intense physical activity are not recommended. Strenuous exercise can affect the wound in the throat, increasing the risk of bleeding and delaying healing. Patients may also experience other unwanted complications. Dr. Nguyen advises that people should start gentle aerobic exercises, walking, or cycling two weeks after tonsillectomy, observing changes in their bodies to make appropriate adjustments.

According to Dr. Nguyen, after a tonsillectomy, patients should rest at home for 5-7 days, limiting contact with the outside environment to reduce the risk of post-operative complications. To recover quickly, patients should increase their intake of soft, cool, and liquid foods during the first week. Drinking plenty of water or electrolyte drinks and fruit juices also helps the wound heal faster. Daily activities should be gradually increased to allow the body to adjust. If experiencing shortness of breath or excessive snoring after a tonsillectomy, elevate the head with a pillow while sleeping or sleep on your side. Turning on a humidifier before bed can help reduce throat dryness caused by mouth breathing.

Anh Chi

Source link: https://vnexpress.net/nhung-viec-nen-kieng-sau-khi-cat-amidan-4601271.html