Rehabilitation after removal of the tonsils

Tonsils - palatine tonsils, the first to take on an infectious blow by airborne droplets. Surgical removal of important body protectors is a last resort in the treatment of complex, infectious, irreversible processes. Recovery measures after removal of the tonsils require compliance with a whole range of measures that allow you to fit into your usual lifestyle without complications.

Indications and contraindications for surgery

The operation to remove the tonsils is otherwise called. Recommendations for its use fall into two broad categories:

1. A vital intervention.
2. justified intervention.

The first category includes cases where the tonsils fail to function properly, presenting a focus of chronic infection. Such cases are dictated by the following factors:

• A severe infectious disease, for example, jugular vein thrombosis, which is responsible for blood flow.
• Complications on the heart, kidneys, nervous system due to infection with beta-hemolytic type A streptococci. Such bacteria destroy the red blood cells responsible for breathing.
• A very severe course of angina, coupled with allergic reactions to antibiotic drugs.
• Regularly severe course of angina, accompanied by high fever, acute pain, large-scale suppuration, which aggravates the respiratory process.
• Hyperplasia of the lymphoid tissue of a severe form, interfering with the processes of respiration.
• Acute nature of the course of rheumatic heart disease.
• The absence of the arrival of a period of remission after undergoing long-term complex treatment of a chronic disease.

The second category includes frequent, periodic occurrence of angina three to seven times a year for several years (1-3 years). Cases of the disease are characterized by high fever, enlargement of the cervical lymph nodes and noticeable purulent inflammation. These indicators serve as a signal for cardinal decisions.

Any operation has a number of contraindications, in this case:

• diseases of the circulatory system;
• active form of tuberculosis;
• extreme stages of diabetes;
• serious mental disorders;
• severe diseases of the internal organs.

Operation

For many years, tonsillectomy was performed exclusively surgically using general anesthesia. Bleeding was often observed after the operation. The classic operation is performed under more often under general anesthesia with a special tool - a wire loop. The average duration of the operation is one hour, with local anesthesia, patients often experience pain. Modern types of surgery include: laser removal (not for children under 10 years old), cauterization with liquid nitrogen, electrocoagulation (use of high-frequency current), ultrasonic circumcision, carbon laser removal. These types help to remove the tonsils without blood loss as soon as possible. The effects of liquid nitrogen and ultrasound deliver the least pain, while the rest can leave burns and require a longer healing period. The first hours after the operation, the patient's voice may change, the temperature may rise, pain may occur (after recovery from anesthesia), and taste buds may deteriorate.

Postoperative recovery

After the operation, the patient is laid on the right side, a cold compress is applied to the cervical area. The first 2-3 days you need to stay in the hospital under the supervision of doctors. Full recovery after removal of the tonsils lasts several weeks, accompanied by discomfort, bad breath, shortness of breath, and occasional pain. The first day after a tonsillectomy, one should refrain from talking so as not to irritate the nasopharynx, not swallow saliva (spit into a specially issued dish). The following days are shown enhanced speech training to avoid the formation of adhesions. It is forbidden to smoke during the entire recovery period - tobacco smoke aggressively irritates the operated tissues.

The postoperative period after the removal of the tonsils requires strict adherence to the recommendations of the attending physician. The place where the tonsils used to be located grows with large dark red spots. Three days after tonsillectomy, pain intensifies, especially when swallowing. After a few days, microorganisms begin to colonize the vacated area, the color becomes gray-brown. A light protein coating that appears on the site of the former tonsils gradually disappears after a week.

The wound heals within 2-3 weeks, acquiring a uniform structure and color, characteristic of the oral cavity, a new mucous membrane is formed. There are a number of prohibitions and restrictions that are mandatory after surgery:

• lack of heavy physical exertion;
• proper nutrition;
• circumvention of visits to baths, saunas, solariums;
• flight ban;
• gentle brushing, rinsing teeth.

Medications

After the operation to remove the tonsils, the postoperative period includes medications prescribed by the doctor in order to avoid complications and speedy healing. The standard prescription system includes:

• Antibiotics - block the appearance of infections, fight harmful bacteria.
• Immunomodulators - stimulate weakened immunity
• Painkillers - suppress periodic pain syndromes.
• Vitamins - saturate the depleted body with useful elements.
• Antiseptics - carry the function of disinfection in the operated area. Most often used in mouthwash.
• Coagulants - interfere with the process of blood clotting, helping to avoid postoperative bleeding.
• Anti-inflammatory drugs - block the development of inflammatory processes.

Antibiotics are prescribed for a course of 7-10 days, overdose and self-selection of drugs are strictly prohibited. For the first five days after tonsillectomy, it is recommended to refrain from rinsing the mouth. This procedure is prescribed only by a doctor, it provides for the use as a basis: soda solutions, weak saline, herbal decoctions, propolis, chlorhexidine.

Rules for nutrition after removal of the tonsils

The fragile mucous membrane of the oral cavity requires the first weeks of careful attention. The area sensitive to external stimuli will react aggressively to heavy, rough food with possible risks of bleeding. Of course, all patients are interested in the question of what can be eaten after removal of the tonsils . The first weeks after the operation, the food should be frayed, mushy. Solid food will stop irritating the operated area only after a month. The usual diet does not change drastically, but there is a category of products, the use of which is most desirable:

1. Cereals (cereals contain an excellent carbohydrate reserve)
2. Proteins are the main source of mucosal protection by enveloping. Preference is given to boiled, lean, shabby meat.
3. Non-carbonated water in large quantities.

Nutrition after removal of the tonsils in the first month after tonsillectomy completely excludes the use of hot foods and drinks. Cold foods, on the contrary, will have a calming effect on the mucous membrane. It is strictly forbidden to take the following types of products:

• strong alcohol;
• carbonated drinks;
• salty, pickled, spicy, sweet types of food.

Conclusion

The rehabilitation course after the removal of the tonsils is purely individual. Certain people tolerate the operation more easily, as well as the entire postoperative period, because everyone's immunity is different. Removal of the tonsils weakens the protective functions of the body, therefore, before the operation, the verdict of the attending physician must be one hundred percent. The completion of the treatment course should be continued with constant preventive measures, following the diet and lifestyle.