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’m 16 and had my surgery on Monday, it’s Friday now and I’ve had the most excruciating ear pain ever since I returned home from hospital however last night it rapidly worsened. Cold and warm compresses don’t seem to aid the issue just numb my face. My ears (especially my left) hurt constantly and swallowing and chewing makes it so much worse. If anyone could PLEASE tell me a way to relieve the pain besides medication (because it never fully fixes the problem) it would be greatly appreciated as this is my second surgery in the past 3 months and I’m sick to death of the constant pain post op.
I’m 16 and got my surgery on Tuesday. The medications they gave me do nearly nothing. I am now very anorexic looking because I haven’t eaten at all. I can’t; It hurts and I choke, and I can’t fit anything down my throat or in my mouth. I’m taking it very bad because I am very fragile. It is horrible and I’m right there with you. The advice on this page is probably the best you’ll get, I’ve tried to find other information but couldn’t. I hope you heal fast and get better soon!
Ask your dr. if you can take prednisone. My daughter was in same condition and it helped a lot . after one day she could eat and drink much better. ?
Hello I am Jazzmyn. I am 11 years old it my 5th day after surgery. My pain is horrifying. My ear ache started 3 days ago I woke up in the middle of the night is so much pain and I still do. I cry and I cry. I have tried everything but the only things what seen to help me was, Heating Pad, Cotton balls in my ears, Sometimes tynol would help but not always and chewing gum. I am very sorry for everyone who went or who is going through this. This part of it is VERY HARD.
I am on day 5 since my surgery and nights 4 and currently night 5 is horrible! The ear pain is my biggest pain so far. Getting out of bed and sitting up on the couch trying to sleep propped up is the only relief (past hydrocodon) that I have found so far. I thought i was having an easy recovery until day 4 came and WOW! The war stories I heard about this surgery ain’t no joke! I’m so ready to get this over with!
I am 17, and had my surgery Nov. 20th. The day of and after were my two easiest days. Of course I was still coming down from my surgery medications (anesthesia, etc). The next three days after that were the worst! Constant war pain, a part of my mouth where my nerve is next to my tongue has not be cauterized (OUCH!) so that is causing severe burning, irritation, and of course: ear pain. I went through my entire bottle of liquid hyrocodone by day 5, and since day 6 was thanksgiving, I definitely could not eat. Day 7 the refills my prescription with Percocet, and that is doing less of a job than the Hydrocodone. The only time I’m in no pain is when I sleep, which is (if I’m lucky) 4 to 5 hours a night, because I have not been able to fall asleep from my meds unless I force myself. I always end up waking up in the middle of the night with the worst of the pain, all from the one spot not cauterized, even saliva burns. The throat and “tonsil” area do not hurt at all! Aside from the swelling the first couple of days, and when my throat is dry. I have so far lost 24 lbs because i cannot eat through the pain. When I do try, it causes the ear pains and burning of the uncauterized area. If that were to have been cauterized, I’m sure my post opp would have went fantastically!!
Hi, I am 17 and currently on day 4 of Tonsillectomy recovery. The most helpful thing for me so far has been shaved ice. the ice machine was $30 and it is soooo worth it. I highly recommend. It helps you stay hydrated while also numbing your throat, jaw, and ears. Blend some watermelon and put on top for flavor/ extra nutrients. Also helpful for me, chicken broth!!