Things to know after tonsillectomy

Tonsillitis is a fairly common disease today. A tonsillectomy is a surgery that helps relieve the discomfort it causes. However, what happens after tonsillectomy is perhaps little known. Let's learn with SignsSymptomsList about what to know after tonsillectomy in the following article. 

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• 1. White scales appear in the incision after tonsillectomy
• 2. You need to be prepared to face what after surgery 
• 3. What should you do if the scalp is bleeding?  
• 4. When does the scab usually fall off?
• 5. Care after tonsillectomy like? 

1. White scales appear in the incision after tonsillectomy

In any surgery, recovery time and course of action are individual. After surgery, you will see white scales in the incision with pain and slight discomfort. 

Scalps form where the previous tonsil tissue was removed. It's similar to when you have a skin wound and then the wound scabs. This scab forms soon after the surgical area stops bleeding. This process continues after the surgery and stabilizes before you are discharged from the hospital. 

>> Tonsillitis surgery is a simple surgery to relieve the patient from the pain in the throat for many years. Find out now what is tonsil? Is tonsillectomy painful?

During the healing process, the scales will slowly fall off over 5-10 days. The scales can also cause bad breath. Read on to learn what happens next and the signs that suggest complications may arise. According to ENT specialists , the recovery time can be from 1 to 2 weeks. 

2. You need to be prepared to face what after surgery 

Patients with tonsillectomy can be discharged on the same day of surgery or stay for a few days, depending on the facility. Patients who have to stay in bed are usually children or adults with severe symptoms before surgery. 

After surgery, you will have a sore throat for a few days. Ear pain, neck pain, and jaw pain may also occur. The pain should subside in 10 days. You may initially feel tired and light-headed from the anesthetic.  

Scales form very quickly. These scales take the form of white patches on the back of the throat. 

Other side effects of tonsillectomy include: 

• Light bleeding 
• Ear hurt 
• Headache 
• Mild fever (37-38 degrees Celsius) 
• Mild swelling in the throat 
• White patches form in the back of the throat 
• Bad breath within a few weeks 

3. What should you do if the scalp is bleeding?  

Slight bleeding from the scabs is normal as they fall off. The amount of bleeding in this case is usually very small. You can tell if you see small streaks of blood in your saliva. Blood can give you a metallic taste in your mouth. 

Applying a cold compress to your neck can help relieve pain and reduce bleeding. Your doctor will usually give you instructions for when the bleeding is profuse. Call your surgeon right away if you notice bright red blood coming out. You need to go to the emergency room right away if you have uncontrollable vomiting and excessive bleeding. 

Bleeding from the tonsils can occur prematurely if the scabs fall off too quickly. It is always necessary to call your doctor in these cases. Follow your surgeon's instructions to know when you need to go to the emergency room. 

4. When does the scab usually fall off?

The scabs after tonsillectomy fall off around 5-10 days after surgery. The scales usually begin to fall off into small pieces. 

Light bleeding in the mouth is often the first sign that the scales are starting to fall off. 

5. Care after tonsillectomy like? 

Often the first days after tonsillectomy are the most uncomfortable. However, each person has a different post-surgery recovery experience. Some patients may experience pain for up to 10 days after surgery. Throat is the most painful site, in addition there may be headaches or earaches . These side effects may also accompany neck pain. 

Pain relievers will be helpful during this period. Note that some pain relievers can increase the risk of bleeding. Therefore, you need to consult your doctor carefully before using the drug. Applying ice to the neck or chewing on an ice cube can help ease the pain. 

Adequate hydration is very important in the post-surgery period. Mineral water, fruit juices are good choices. A diet with soft foods will help limit discomfort and pain when eating. Cold foods such as ice cream and chilled water also bring a pleasant feeling. You should avoid spicy, hot, hard foods because it can increase pain or loosen the surgical scabs. Chewing gum can help speed recovery after surgery. 

Complete rest is essential for at least the first 48 hours after surgery, and other normal activities should also be limited. Activity levels can be gradually increased thereafter. Children can return to school when they are eating and drinking normally, sleeping well, and do not need additional pain medication. Avoid travel and vigorous activity, such as sports, for 2 weeks or more depending on your recovery.  

White flakes after surgery are normal and will slowly fall off. The pain will also gradually decrease over time. You should call your doctor as soon as you notice bleeding, vomiting or a high fever. 

Dr. Tran Thanh Long

See more related articles:

• Sore throat: Common causes and ways to prevent it
• Is tonsillectomy painful? Do I need to stay in the hospital after a tonsillectomy?
• Swollen lymph nodes in the neck: Is it cancer?