A tonsillectomy is not a procedure children or adults generally look forward to, but making dietary and lifestyle adjustments can make recovery as comfortable as possible. After a tonsillectomy, your throat is sore, making it challenging to eat foods and drink liquids. According to MayoClinic.com, fluid intake is an important factor in recovery. Avoiding spicy foods and foods that are hard and crunchy can help avoid complications with healing after surgery.
Recovery
According to MayoClinic.com, children generally recover from a tonsillectomy more rapidly than adults. Their tonsils are smaller, requiring less skin removal. Removing adult tonsils generally causes more trauma and pain to the body. It can take the average child up to a week to recover from a tonsillectomy and the average adult, up to two weeks. Children and adults recover quicker if they resume eating and drinking as soon as possible.
Child's Recovery Diet
Children are often reluctant to eat after a tonsillectomy because of pain. Give your child fluids every hour. If your child refuses fluids, offer ice pops or ice cream. Encourage your child to drink fluids frequently. Offer a variety of fruit juices. Encourage your child to eat soft foods like pudding, Jell-O, yogurt and soft-boiled eggs. Watch for signs of dehydration, such as dry lips and crying without tear production. Contact your doctor if your child exhibits signs of dehydration.
Adult's Recovery Diet
It can take up to two weeks for you to recover. During this time, eating food can be very challenging. Choose clear liquids at first, if pain is persistent. Broth is a good choice. Drink water every hour to avoid dehydration. When your toleration level increases, add soft foods that will go down easily, like pudding, scrambled eggs and soups. Eat bland foods that will not irritate your healing throat.
Tips
Ask your doctor what post-operative foods he or she recommends. If prescribed pain medication, set your alarm clock to remind you so that you do not miss a dose. Use a warm compress around your neck to relieve pain. If you wake up in the mornings in pain, because your medication wore off overnight, set your alarm clock during the night to take your medication as directed. Do not over-exert yourself. Get plenty of rest until you are fully recovered. Contact your doctor if repeated attempts to eat result in vomiting.
