Tonsillectomy Pain Relief

Tonsillectomy, the removal of the tonsils, is an outpatient surgery performed for a few different reasons. While the procedure itself is often performed under general anesthesia, meaning the patient is unconscious and feels no pain, the recovery process can be somewhat painful. There are some ways to ease post-surgery pain.

Keep It Cold

• The proper use of ice packs can be highly effective in providing pain relief following a tonsillectomy. Also, eating cold foods such as popsicles, ice cream or sucking on a ice cube are a great way to help keep your throat cool. Even a cold drink can provide relief.

Eat properly

• While recovering from a tonsillectomy, it is important to eat foods that are soft and easy to swallow. Try soups, pudding, yogurt, gelatin or oatmeal until the throat is less sore and swallowing becomes easier.

Medication

• Often, your doctor will prescribe a pain relief medication after surgery. If not, discuss over-the-counter options that are available.

Humidify

• Placing a humidifier in the same room as the patient is a helpful source of pain relief following surgery.