Things to avoid after tonsillectomy

After tonsillectomy, patients should rest, not exercise, and avoid cold, hard, and spicy foods to avoid irritation.

Tonsillectomy is indicated by doctors when the patient has frequent tonsillitis, chronic tonsillitis, or sleep-related respiratory problems such as sleep apnea... There are many tonsillectomy methods. Preparation and implementation time usually lasts 1-2 hours, depending on the type of surgery.

According to Master, Doctor, Doctor Nguyen Trung Nguyen (ENT Center, Tam Anh General Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City), after surgery, the patient will feel a sore throat, ranging from mild to moderate. Within 1-2 weeks after tonsillectomy, the patient may experience symptoms such as jaw pain, pain spreading to the neck and ears, nausea, difficulty speaking, hoarseness, bad breath, swelling of the tongue and throat, fever... To reduce pain symptoms, speed up recovery and prevent complications after tonsillectomy, the patient should follow some of the following instructions.

Avoid hot, hard foods : In the first 7 days after tonsillectomy, you should not eat hot foods. Some hard foods such as toast, bacon, fried potatoes... should also be limited. Patients should eat soft, liquid, cold foods such as porridge, cooked cereals, soups, bananas, cooked vegetables.

Avoid mouthwashes : Patients may have bad breath, unpleasant breath odor after tonsillectomy. This condition occurs because during surgery, the tissue next to the tonsils is damaged, the tongue swells, causing food to get stuck. Patients should not use mouthwashes or breath mints during these days. They can increase the risk of infection. Over-the-counter mouthwashes tend to dry the throat and cause discomfort. Therefore, patients should also limit their use. Symptoms of bad breath usually disappear when the throat heals. Proper oral hygiene and avoiding contact with chemicals for about two weeks are also things to note.

Mouthwash can dry out the throat, not suitable for people who have just had their tonsils removed. Photo: Freepik — Mouthwash can dry out the throat, not suitable for people who have just had their tonsils removed. Photo: *Freepik*

Avoid cold, sour, spicy foods : Cold foods such as ice and ice cream irritate the tonsil lining, slowing down the healing process. Additionally, foods that contain natural acids, such as citrus fruits; spicy foods can cause severe pain and irritation, burning the throat and causing discomfort for people 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 larynx and throat, affecting the surgical wound.

Avoid taking aspirin : This group of drugs can thin the blood, affecting wound healing time.

Avoid exercise : Patients need to prioritize rest after tonsillectomy, and should avoid strenuous exercise for at least one week after the procedure. Sports such as marathons, swimming, weightlifting, and strenuous physical activities are not recommended. Strenuous exercise can affect the wound in the throat, increase the risk of bleeding, and slow wound healing. Patients may also experience other unwanted complications. Doctor Nguyen recommends that people should start light aerobic exercises, walking, and cycling 2 weeks after tonsillectomy, and observe changes in the body to make appropriate adjustments.

According to Dr. Nguyen, after tonsillectomy, patients should rest at home for 5-7 days and limit contact with the outside environment to reduce the risk of postoperative complications. To recover quickly, patients should increase soft, cool, and thin foods in the first week. Drinking plenty of water or supplementing with electrolytes and fruit juices also helps wounds heal faster. Daily activities should be gradually increased so that the body can get used to it. If you feel short of breath or snore a lot after tonsillectomy, you should prop up your pillow when sleeping or sleep on your side. Turning on a humidifier before going to bed can help reduce dry throat caused by mouth breathing.

Mr. Chi

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