Doctors will encourage consumption of ice cream, yogurt, popsicles, and other soft foods after the procedure. These foods may even reduce the need for pain medication. A recent study revealed that ice cream significantly reduced pain after tonsillectomy. Soups and other warm foods can also help.
The impact of cooling oropharynx in the form of ice cream consumption as a form of cryotherapy could help reduce the pain, reduce the use of oral analgesic therapy and help in faster recovery after surgery.
Chew Ice Constantly
Ice is one of the best things to have during a tonsillectomy recovery. Ice keeps the incision site moist during recovery and this is very important for speedy healing. The cold temperature of ice also helps to numb pain and reduce swelling.
You may start small amounts of soft foods when your child drinks well after surgery. Your child should eat soft foods for two weeks. Soft foods include yogurt, cooked cereal, cooked pasta, soft fruit, cooked vegetables, mashed potatoes, soups, pudding, ice cream and smoothies.
Sorbet, popsicles, gelatin, apple sauce, mashed potatoes, and bananas are just a few common recommendations for what to eat after a tonsillectomy. These and other soft and cooling foods can not only make you more comfortable during recovery, but help you heal faster.
Avoid hot drinks, soda pop, orange or tomato juice, and other acidic foods that can sting the throat. These may make throat pain worse and cause bleeding. For 2 weeks, choose soft foods like pudding, yogurt, canned or cooked fruit, scrambled eggs, and mashed potatoes.
Avoid ice cream with rich, super-sweet sauces and additives, as they may irritate your already already-inflamed throat. Also, ice cream is obviously a bad idea if you are lactose intolerant or have a milk allergy. If you are sensitive to dairy, try a dairy-free, frozen treat instead.
2. Eating cold foods. Eating cold, soft foods, such as frozen yogurt or ice cream, can numb the throat, offering temporary pain relief.
Cold foods such as ice cream help soothe sore throats and reduce inflammation. Again, stick to a single scoop, as too much sugar may inhibit the immune system's effectiveness.
Swelling and Bruising.
Tissue injury, whether accidental or intentional (e.g. surgery), is followed by localized swelling. After surgery, swelling increases progressively, reaching its peak by the third day. It is generally worse when you first arise in the morning and decreases throughout the day.
Throat pain builds up for the first few days and is usually at its the worst around the fifth day after surgery. Pain and discomfort will usually then ease until the seventh or ninth day after surgery when some of the scab covering the tonsillectomy site falls off. After this there is a steady reduction in pain.
THROAT PAIN is normal for 21 days after the surgery. The pain is usually tolerable in the first 3 days and then worsens to a crescendo around day 6 to 9 after the operation. Once this peak is reached then the pain gradually decreases daily until you can comfortably eat around day 14 after the operation.
The pain was evaluated using visual analogue scale (VAS) on a scale of 0–10, with 0 representing no pain at all and 10 worst possible pain. Postoperative pain was consider mild if EVA ranges between 0.00 and 2.99; moderate when ranges between 3.00 and 6.99, and severe pain when it was greater than 7.00.
How long do tonsillectomy scabs last? Most scabs only last 5-10 days. Then, they naturally flake off. Tonsillectomy scabs may last longer on larger wounds created when large tonsils are removed.
Drinking fluids is the key to a fast recovery
Try cool fluids first such as water, cordial, ice blocks, and non-acidic fruit juices (ie apple juice) and soft drinks (let them stand to de-fizz first). Milk drinks can be consumed once your child can toler- ate clear fluids.
Drinking very cold ice water or sucking on something cold may seem counterintuitive, but cold can numb the throat. But don't choose cold orange juice or other acid-based liquids; they will only intensify the pain.
Dairy can be acidic, so it may irritate your sore throat. Sometimes, dairy can thicken mucus, so it's best to avoid cheese and other forms of dairy if your sore throat is due to an upper respiratory infection. Aim for softer, non-acidic foods while your throat is hurting.
Yogurt. Yogurt is a natural probiotic that can clear bacteria from your gut and protect your immune system. It's also soothing and easy to swallow when you have a sore throat. Make sure you buy yogurt without added sugars, as sugar can irritate your throat.
As you feel better, add soft bland items that are easy to chew and swallow (pasta, puddings, mashed potatoes, tuna or chicken salad, macaroni and cheese). Avoid foods that are sharp, hot, or spicy. Lollipops and hard candies may be sucked, not chewed. return to normal activity as soon as possible.
Some patients find that small sips of ginger ale or a cola drink may help to relieve nausea. Small portions of bananas, applesauce, moistened graham crackers or soda crackers may be helpful prior to taking medications. You may wish to avoid acidic products such as orange juice.
The first day after your tonsillectomy, drink cool liquids, such as water, frozen juice bars, sports drinks, or soda. Gradually return to your regular diet after about a week. Be sure to chew your food well to avoid irritating your throat. You'll heal faster if you get the rest you need after your surgery.
The scabs usually fall off in small pieces. There may also be a small amount of bleeding. Most people swallow the scabs, often without realizing. Recovery from a tonsillectomy can take 10–14 days.