Tonsillectomy, surgical removal of the tonsils, glands at the back of the throat, is a common surgical procedure in children but less common in adults. Around 70 percent of tonsillectomy patients are under age 18, according to Surgery.com. Recovery from tonsillectomy requires eating adjustments for the first few weeks. Certain foods, such as acidic, hot or spicy foods can burn the tissue at the surgical site. Always follow your own surgeon's specific instructions about what to eat after surgery.
Eating After Surgery
Loyola Medicine recommends no hot foods or spicy foods for the first two weeks after surgery. Cool foods like ice cream or popsicles make the throat feel better, which is why they're so often given after tonsillectomy. Liquids go down more easily than food at first and play an important role in keeping hydrated after tonsillectomy. Soft, lukewarm foods such as mashed potatoes, oatmeal, soup or noodles may appeal, while crunchy foods may hurt the throat.
Rationale
The rationale for avoiding hot or spicy foods is to avoid pain at the surgical site. The tissue at the site will be swollen and irritated. Pain medications and an ice collar wrapped around the neck can help decrease pain when swallowing.
Results
Eating hot or spicy foods too soon can cause pain that can lead to food avoidance. Eating and drinking is essential after tonsillectomy to prevent weight loss and dehydration. Drinking adequate amounts of fluid also helps to decrease pain, the Cleveland Clinic reports. Some weight loss occurs in most people after the surgery, according to Loyola Medicine.
Complications
If you ate or drank something that was too hot and are concerned that you've injured the surgical area, watch for signs of complications such as bleeding from the mouth or nose. Call your doctor if bleeding more than spotting occurs. Scabs that fall off after seven to 10 days post-surgery may look like chocolate-colored mucus, these are normal. Whitish or grey patches at the back of the throat are also normal; this is the normal color of healing mucus membranes.
Member Comments