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.
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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!
I am 38 years old and I had a tonsillectomy on December 14th and I’m still experiencing swelling and pain in throat and ears. My right ear is a constant ache. This has been a horrible recovery. If anyone has any pointers on helping with the ear pain let me know.
My 8 year old son had a tonsillectomy 10 days ago and had ear pain start on day 5. He has had most relief from using a heat pack. A neighbour (old lady) suggested a drop of olive oil in his ear as it helps with inflammation. So we tried that, he dripped his little finger in some olive oil and rubbed it into his year. He said this also gave him relief.
I got my tonsils out on the 28th and am in excruciating pain especially my ears and it feels like I have a toothache. I also have a persistent cough but the pain with that is nothing compared to what I’m feeling in my ears. I was prescribed oxycodone elixir but it made me throw up so I’m trying my best with just Tylenol. Anyone have any advice? Or just remind me there’s a light at the end of all of this!!!!
I got mine out on the 23rd… slowly things are getting better. I had a cough too, I have asthma so I took my albuterol inhaler and that seemed to help a little bit. Try using a humidifier to moisten the air, it helps a lot with recovery. I have the ear pain as well, I’ve been taking ibuprofen which helps a little bit… but hot/cold compresses work too.
I got my tonsils removed the 27th and my pain from ear aches and sore throats have been extremely painful, I was prescribed oxicodone but have been taking Tylenol b/c I am a minor and my parents insisted, any suggestions to reduce the pain?
You should alternate Tylenol and ibuprofen dosing ever 2 hours if you’re a minor. Make sure you use the right dose for you weight. But if you were give a script for the pain meds you should use it. The doctor gave it to you for a reason. Use the heating pad too it might help. Best of luck. My daughter is 7. I’m an RN myself. I’m just making sure I am aware if home remedies that have helped others. Hang in there.
I got my tonsils out on December 21st I am on day 7 the only pain is on the right side of my mouth I can barely open my mouth so I can’t chew gum and I’m dehydrated because every time I try to drink something my ear gets worse I don’t know what to do
Call your doctor and ask for a strong steroid prescription, or go to the ER and get one in an IV. It made a HUGE difference for me! The liquid prednisone the doctor had originally prescribed didn’t seem to help me much but the dose at the ER took the swelling down significantly after about 12 hours.
My 11 yr old son was admitted on day 5 post op. He quIT drinking and was SCREAMING in ear pain. He went back in hospital, was given fluids and steroids through IV and this did help for the day, we come home and he stops doing everything but SCREAMING IN PAIN.
Take some pain medication (tylenol, ibuprofen) make sure you can with the narcotics you were prescribed. Rest next to a humidifier to keep your throat moist. For dehydration, start eating some ice chips and once its numb, chug down some gatorade to give you some electrolytes.
Today is December 20th, I had my tonsils and adenoids out on the 14th. The most helpful thing that I have found is taking my pain medicine on schedule. Every 3 hours alternating between my prescribed pain medicine and children’s Motrin. And sleeping ALOT. Warm smooth foods help soothe my throat more than cold. Also gargling with a 1/4 teaspoon of salt in 1 cup of water has helped with pain, swelling, bad breath and dry mouth. My ears have been killing me the past 3 days though and the only thing that helps is laying on my side on a soft pillow. Hopefully this helps some others going through the same thing.
I can’t take Motrin because it gives me an upset stomach and I throw up
You need something in you stomach to help buffer the ibuprofen. Try milk. Then 30 mins later take ibuprofen.