Tonsillectomy Side Effects




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 fire extinguisher text

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.

Tonsillectomy Side Effects
Tonsillectomy Side Effects

Greg Tooke

76 comments

  1. I am 38 and I just got my tonsils taken out on the 4th of March 2014. For the first 10 days atfter the surgery it was very painful. The medication made me Dizzie and now I feel that my taste buds have changed to the point that if something is sweet, I find it sweeter and if its salty I cant stand it. Anyways, compare to the infections I used to have I guess I am better the way I am now. I recommend the surgery but do know that it will be painfull for atleast 10-14 days.

  2. I just had mine out and I’m 42 yrs old. My Doc did them via lazer so no stiches, no coughing up blood and I’ve had tonsilitis that was worse than the entire recovery process. I took two weeks off because I heard it was much worse for old dudes like me, but I didn’t need pain meds after about a week and a half. Glad I got it done…

    Now I’m trying to find out that since the surgery, my nose runs non stop. Thought there may be some coinsidence, but don’t see any.

  3. I am SO GLAD to see I am not the only one having these problems! I am 25 and had my tonsils out in April. It’s been two months and it still hurts when I yawn, I constantly have mucous. The mucous used to be terribly thick and would make me gag. The doctor is telling me it’s because of smoking, my sinuses, acid reflux. I smoke occasionally so I really don’t see that being the case. I’ve never had these issues until my tonsils were removed. My voice is also hoarse alot, more than before they were out! And I was a singer, well not since they were out! Ugh 🙁 how long will this go on? I’m trying to stay positive but it’s hard!

  4. Have any of you with chronic problems or side effects tried to gargle like peroxide or warm salt water? Peroxide is an oral rinse agent but can also help break up and kill any mucus you have in the back of your mouth or throat. I honestly did the warm water way before I was suppose to like in days after my surgery because I hated the mucus but the long term effects have been great I breath better sleep better I can eat taste and have little to no sinus problems anymore. Just a thought at least it worked for me

  5. Holly shit!!! Aftr reading aforesaid comments i am not going for operation. Although my tonsils enlarge every month

    1. Bro i seriouslly suggest u operation mat karvana there r many sideeffects i had my operation 2yrs ago nd abhi tak side effect hai!!

    2. oh, i have tonsil doctor bolraha hai operation karneke liya muje dar aata hai every month hota hai mai brofin n azethromisine tablet khake baitha hu kya opration 100% suxses hota plz tell me brother

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