After tonsillectomy surgery, patients have plenty of unpleasant side effects to deal with. Swelling of the uvula, tongue, and throat are usually the first hurdle adults have to deal with post tonsillectomy. Swallowing and breathing can be difficult. This isn’t too surprising, especially considering all that the throat has been through. Icing and gargling with ice water can help reduce this swelling, as can a steroidal treatment. The next problem after tonsillectomy, usually a day or so post-op, is pain in the throat area. Again, no big surprise. Icing is also a good way to treat, as are narcotic pain killers and/or over the counter pain medications. Topical analgesics like throat sprays can also offer some relief.
What surprises many is a phenomena occurring several days into their tonsillectomy recovery- ear pain.
Post Tonsillectomy Ear Pain – Cause and Treatment
Cause
Literally thousands of patients sharing their experiences on this website have commented that their ears hurt after tonsillectomy. Ear pain after tonsillectomy is probably the second or third most common side effect that patients experience- second only to pain and swelling. But why does this happen? There was no scalpel or hot knife near the ears, so why should they feel like they’re being stabbed? The cause of ear pain post tonsillectomy starts at the throat and radiates to the ears. This is called a referred pain. Take a look at the attached diagram and note the lingual nerve. It’s directly connected to the ears and throat.
Treatments and Home Remedies
This referred pain can be quite severe. Often prescribed pain medications do not seem to relieve the ear pain that many experience after tonsillectomy. In addition to the pain medicines patients are taking, there are two home remedies that usually can provide some relief. The first of which is chewing gum. In light of the unpleasant side effect of have sugary residue in and around the throat, most tonsillectomy patients prefer a sugar -free gum. A mint flavor can also feel cooling. Exactly why chewing gum relieves ear pain is hard to say. Certainly activating the muscles around the ears and jaw may help, but more likely, like yawning, gum chewing releases pressure from the ear area.
The second remedy for ear pain after tonsillectomy is applying a heating pad or warm compress to the affected area. Again, the reason for its effectiveness is not entirely clear but most patients describe a relaxing comfort from applying a wet, warm towel or electric heating pad to the affected area. To reduce inflammation, alternate between warm and cold compresses.
-Greg My short bio
Have you found a trick for taking the edge off of ear pain, especially after tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy? Please share it in the comments section below. Thank you!
Day 10 for me! I never wish this pain on anyone! Everyone said its rougher the older you are (I’m 26) but they didn’t say anything bout the ear pain! I’m at the point where my throat is sensitive to cold things. So I drink my water at room temp and 2 days ago my friend suggested a life saving tip: hot tea with honey! It feels so incredible on the throat. I let it cool to about lukewarm. The honey coats and soothes the throat. It’s amazing!
Hey everyone. I’m 22 and had my tonsillectomy on 8/31/16. Thankfully I did not experience much throat pain but I feel like I made up for it with ear pain. My pain was severe much like others who have commented. It put me in tears a few times. I have picked up a few tricks that helpled me and wanted to share them. For me warm soft food and drinks have been that biggest help! I have read a lot of comments saying cold stuff but warmth really eases the pain for me. Also throat losengers have been a huge help along with giant ice packs wrapped around my neck and behind my ears. Today is day 8 in my recovery and I am definitely better but the ear pain is still there. I have been pureeing soup, heating them up and just sucking it up through a straw as it is painful to chew. I still talk with a lisp due to the swelling but most of the toung and neck bruising has gone away. I hope my tips help you!
I got mine removed Sep. 2, 2016 and my ear pain is terrible right now. Excruciating!
HELP!! I am 59 and had to have tonsils removed for second time. I would rather go through childbirth again and I had an 11 lb baby naturally! This is the worst pain I have ever been in. I am on day 8 . Yesterday was the worst, I don’t know if it was the medication or what but no more oxy and Motrin for me! I took Tylenol last night but it is leaving such a horrible taste in my mouth I can’t take it either. Ear pain is the worst part only good thing is I’ve probably lost 10 lbs.. Any suggestions on ear pain relief ?
Why were your tonsils removed twice????? Weren’t they supposed to get it all out at one time???
Just one other thing I’ve been afraid of, I’m 42 and on day 8 of my tonsillectomy, and my ear pain has been horrible let alone the throat pain. The ear pain seems to get worse when I move my tongue. Before my procedure I read through the documents that mentioned the possibility of tonsils growing back, and my ENT assured me that it’s more common when you’ve had them removed as a child that your tonsils could grow back. I’ve seen some people refer to some type of herbal oil for their ears after the tonsillectomy, but I’m just not comfortable with putting stuff in my ears…however, with the way I’m feeling right now, I’m just about willing to try ANYTHING to get rid of this horrible ear pain!!!
Jason. Almost 41 years old. Had tonsillectomy and “palatoplasty” on 8/15. (Look it up – horrible.) I thought (hoped) my Dr. was just kidding when he told me the pain would be “excruciating.” He wasn’t. Haven’t been doing much but sleeping and taking warm soaks in tub. Seems to help. Ear pain is really beginning to get bad now on day 5. Also, teeth really hurting, I’m sure as a result of gritting my teeth to swallow through pain. Breath horrible. I would suggest to anyone to get a cool must humidifier and sleep with it on in the room where you’re laid up. It seems to keep the throat a little more moist. I am really in nothing short of hell. If I had it to do over again, I wouldn’t. Sorry – but it’s the truth. Good luck to everyone.
Thank you Maddie for your advice. im very young and my ear pain is unbearable. I cant even swallow without being on the verge of tears.so im glad that im not the only one experiencing this pain!