Managing Pain After a Tonsillectomy: Tips for Parents and Patients
 

​After a tonsillectomy, whether via intracapsular or dissection techniques, pain management is key to a smooth recovery. It’s normal to experience throat pain, difficulty swallowing, and discomfort, but proper care can help minimise these symptoms.

The healing throat after a tonsillectomy looks yellow and sloughy. Recovery after intracapsular techniques is usually significantly quicker.

Pain Management:

- Pain relief: Over-the-counter pain relievers like paracetamol or ibuprofen are often recommended to manage pain. Always follow the prescribed doses.

Sometimes for tonsillectomy undertaken for tonsillitis stronger painkillers are prescribed.

- Hydration: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water and cool drinks, to keep the throat hydrated and soothe discomfort.

- Cold foods: Soft, cool foods such as ice cream or yoghurt can help ease throat pain and reduce swelling. However you should encourage your child or yourself to eat your usual foods to help with healing. 

- Rest: Encourage your child or yourself to rest in the initial recovery period.

- Difflam or Saltwater gargles (for older children and adults) can help relieve pain and keep the throat clean.

When to Seek Help:

- Severe pain that doesn’t improve with medication.

- Bleeding: If bleeding occurs, seek immediate medical advice.

- Signs of infection: Fever, increased pain or bleeding after the first few days may indicate an infection and require prompt evaluation.

Recovery time or time off from school or work is usually 1 week following Intracapsular Tonsillectomy, or 2 weeks following Dissection Tonsillectomy.

If symptoms aren’t improving as expected, or if you’re concerned about your recovery, don’t hesitate to contact your ENT specialist for further guidance.