After Tonsillectomy
Side effects
Aside from no longer having tonsils, the effects of tonsillectomy are somewhat unique to each individual. All surgeries carry the risk of complications. While tonsillectomies are no different, tonsillectomy side effects are usually mild. They sometimes reach the discomfort levels of the chronic respiratory infections leading to most tonsillectomies. For other people, ten days of significant pain is a common tonsillectomy side effect.
Not everyone undergoing a tonsillectomy has the same side effects. If you’re putting off a tonsillectomy because side effects are a concern, knowing the possible complications may help you reach a decision.
Tonsillectomy Side Effects in Children
The tonsils reach their largest size in children between the ages of 4 and 7, according to the Better Health Channel. Your child is most susceptible to infected tonsils during these years. Cincinnati Children’s Hospital reports that tonsillectomy side effects for this age group include:
• Residual bleeding
• Anesthesia-induced nausea or vomiting during the first 24 hours following surgery
• Throat pain that may irritate the nerve leading to the ears
• Jaw or neck pain
• Mouth breathing and snoring for up to two weeks
• A voice change if the child’s tonsils were very large
• Low-grade fever for a few days
Some children may continue experiencing these tonsillectomy side effects for up to two weeks. Most, however, recover fully within seven to 10 days. Tonsillectomy recovery for adults is another story.
Tonsillectomy Side Effects in Adults
Adults may require longer recovery periods than children. Tonsillectomy side effects in adults include:
• Post-operative pain in the throat and back of the oral cavity
• Nausea from residual bleeding
• Pain subsiding after 48 hours and recurring three or four days later. It may involve the ears as well as the mouth and throat.
• An unpleasant taste from scabs forming over the surgical wounds.
The American Association of Pediatrics’ “Textbook of Pediatric Care” reports the most common tonsillectomy complication is postoperative bleeding, in 1 to 2 percent of cases.
Greg Tooke
My short bio
I had my tonsils removed on February 27 just 9 days ago and my surgery went very well. My Doctor (Dr. Winter at Lahey Clinic) was fabulous. She explained everything during my consult and made it very clear to me about how painful the recovery process would be. I finally decided to have them removed and 9 days later I am I feel good. It is very important to follow all the after surgery instructions to the T. Drink lots of fluids take your pain meds every 4-6 hours. While my throat is still sore I am able to manage very well and have already been able to reduce my pain meds to 3 times a day and have had no bleeding or other side effects. While you can’t make a decision based on other peoples experiences because eveyone is differen really take into account how you have recovered from any prior surgeries as well as how you respond to pain.
I had my surgery on jan 16 and my biggest complaint is the pain it’s rough but I know that at some point it will be gone. I can agree with the lump in the back of my throat, when I swallow it just all goes left and right and I have to swallow twice for just one drink, and the taste is terrible and I don’t enjoy eating cuz nothing tastes normal:( but I hope mine comes back sooner than 6 mo to a year cuz it really sucks. I can’t wait to feel the benefits to the surgery cuz definitely after two weeks all you feel is regret. But I’m sure it will pass! Good luck everyone!
I made surgery last nov.20,2012 but untill im not feel better.I did taste the food,I visit to the doctor but they said it normal it will goes afer 3mnth im hoping.I will be ok..but my problemghing now is im suffering dry coughing and pain to my troat
I am so glad to hear all of your responses. I am 38 years old. I had my tonsils out in Nov 2012, it has been 2 and half months, and I still can’t taste or smell. I have a disgusting taste in my mouth no matter what I eat. It has a bitter hint. It is worse in the mornings and I also have all this mucus in my throat (gross). It is supposed to go to my nose but it feels like it goes straight into my throat. I was so scared and I have an apt to see the doctor today. I also have a feeling of dryness no matter how much I drink. Water taste bad too. I feel like my tongue doesn’t have enough room any more and it feels uncomfortable on the back of my throat. I feel like a have to swallow all the time and it makes my throat sore and irritated. its a weird sensation. I really hope this goes away because I feel like I can’t take it any more and it is making me really upset. If any one has anything else they can suggest please let me know. No one has mention the smell part but I lost that too. Has any one else lost their smell?
I have terrible taste in my mouth too and it’s i only been two weeks and one day and I thought it was from the oral Meds but I’m not sure and I’m scared it won’t ever come back. So I am wondering if yours has come back and what your doctor said about its. I’d really look forward to your reply if you or someone else can help. I don’t notice a change in smell at all.
i have all the same as you except the smell i can still smell I
strong smells but the tastes is so bad it is 5weeks now for me can’t believe you are stillsufferi after all this time
Questions.
1) Was your uvula removed?
2) Were your adenoids removed?
3) Is your tongue coated with a thick white or yellowish white coating?
I had a tonsillectomy 3 months ago and I’m afraid to say I too have a constant dry throat that feels as if it’s partially blocked sometimes. I can’t taste sweet things so sugar and chocolate tastes awful in particular. I also wake up with a sore throat although this easy as the day progresses. I hope it improves soon
I have exactly the same except I can still smell things. Its awful and I feel for you.
My 4 years old son had tonsilectomy 2 to 3 months back. Now he has develop abscess on his throat. This abscess could be side effects for tonsilectomy. Please help I’m so worried
Ok so all these posts are really scaring me into not having this surgery done…HOWEVER what I am scared about is the whole feeling like something is there and food getting stuck feeling. Also the loss of taste what do you mean?