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!
Its been 5 days since my tonsillectomy. The first 2 days I was fine and had hardly any pain at all. Around the 3rd day I started getting more pain in my throat and the 4th day the pain when I swallowed and in my ear was unbearable. I remembered from awhile back when I was in the hospital that they make their own heat compresses. I read a lot that these help but I didn’t have any heating pads. All you do is get a washcloth wet, wring it out, place it in a sandwich bag, heat it in the microwave for 45 sec (be careful when removing as its hot), and then wrap it in a larger dish towel. I then just placed it on my ear or throat and it’s helped so much! For the throat pain I found that chicken broth helps a ton. It loosens up the mucus in the back of the throat and moisturizes the scabs. Almost WVERYTHING I ate or drank caused me horrible pain except the broth. The salt in it helps prevent infection and healing also.
I’m 20 and on day 5 of post opp and the ear pain is horrible. I found just using cotton to lightly plug up my ears has helped. Also I was able to eat somewhat of a normal meal today (taking small bites to avoid discomfort).
My ear pain, behind my ear is so bad. I don’t know what to do. I never new the pain would b this bad all around. I wouldn’t do it again that’s fur sure
I had surgery Friday it’s now Monday. The ear pain hurts so bad and gum does not help! I can’t wait till it’s all over
Sorry you’re having such a rough time Hannah- Some get relief from using a warm compress- give that a try! Hope you feel better soon
Day 10 post op. The ear pain still wakes me & is the worst at night!!! I have been using Chloraseptic max sore throat plus with coating protection, it stops the ear & throat pain for about an hour. Good luck