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
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NO the initial healing process to the surgery is very painful. I have a very high tolerance for pain have suffered a complete break of both bones in my leg and this was painful. And the adjustment to not eating to slowly eating and then working to solids is painful. The long term effects are great because it solves a lot of issues with sinuses also but it is painful.
all is wel
Okay so I got my tonsils and adenoids removed about 3 days ago, the pain isn’t to bad but my left side hurts more than my right I’m not sure if this is normal but could anyone tell me if they experienced this I’m freaking out?!
Now you are ok na?
I also got ny durgery on 9yh msy but now i am feeling better but ut was so difficult tine i wss spend…
My right side hurt more than the left.
Its only been a couple of months since I have had my tonsils out, but I feel like I have a lot of sinus pressure and sinus headaches since then. Does anyone know if this is related in any way?
Hey guys I’m struggling with tonsils, since at the age of 7 and until today. Last year,2016 I did go to clinic for antibiotics and Its get better. Today which is 2017 i’m 4 to 5 days sick now. Tonsils are painful and i’m not considering to have surgery as I am afraid for its side effects…….
Guys if is there any idea to cure or treat tonsils please share
Doctors where are you???????
Better you do surgery …I too suffered same problem .
But after operation it’s all fine
And better feeling
Its not all painful
I am not support the surgery. because my uncle was have tonsilectomy. I was tell him are you better now. he said me tonsilectomy is very bad. it was my rubbish dessition. so i tell every body use antibiotic. no surgery.