What are the side effects of removing tonsils?
Common issues after a tonsillectomy include the following:
- Moderate to severe pain in the throat for one to two weeks.
- Pain in the ears, neck or jaw.
- Nausea and vomiting for a few days.
- Mild fever for several days.
- Bad breath for up to two weeks.
- Swelling of the tongue or throat.
- Feeling of something stuck in the throat.
What are the worst days after tonsils are removed?
Anecdotal evidence from several ENT departments suggests that pain following tonsillectomy is worst on the second and/or third days after surgery.
What not to eat after getting tonsils removed?
Foods and drinks to avoid are:
- Orange and grapefruit juice and other drinks that contain a lot of acid.
- Hot and spicy foods.
- Rough foods like raw crunchy vegetables and cold cereal.
- Dairy products that are high in fat. They may increase mucus and make it hard to swallow.
Can I live without tonsils?
You obviously do not need your tonsils and adenoids to live – they are not vital organs like our heart and lungs. However, tonsils and adenoids play an important role in the body’s immune system. According to the National Institutes of Health, “adenoids usually start to shrink after about age 5.
What is a good age to get your tonsils removed?
A child at any age can have a tonsillectomy if the indications are severe. However, surgeons generally wait until children are 3 years old to remove tonsils because the risk of dehydration and bleeding is greater among small children.
Is removing tonsils good or bad?
A tonsillectomy is safe, but it can cause throat pain for several days after surgery. Like all surgeries, tonsillectomy carries some risks. These include bleeding, infection, swelling-related breathing difficulties, and, very rarely, life-threatening reactions to anesthesia.