Post-Tonsillectomy Symptoms: Addressing Throat Discomfort

Q: Post-Tonsillectomy Symptoms: Addressing Throat Discomfort

Hello： Upon initial examination, there appear to be no obvious abnormalities, and the clinical physician has reviewed the case with no significant issues identified. <br>The possibility of foreign body sensation can be largely ruled out. <br>There are many factors that can cause

Oral issues

Hello Doctor, I would like to consult you.
It has been three months since I had my bilateral tonsillectomy.
From the beginning, even before the surgery, I felt discomfort primarily on the left side.
After the surgery, I still have a sensation of a foreign body and mild pain on the left side, which is quite bothersome.
I am unsure what the issue might be.
Sometimes, it feels like it's in the throat wall, with a sensation of inflammation and pulsation.
I returned to the surgeon for a follow-up, and when the doctor palpated the painful area in my throat, they indicated it was at the base of the tongue.
The doctor mentioned that if surgery were needed in that area, it could affect my speech, so they do not recommend it.
An endoscopy showed some redness at the base of the tongue, and there was also swelling near the vocal cords.
The doctor suspects that my symptoms may be due to gastroesophageal reflux, which could explain the sensation of a foreign body.
They also noted that since I no longer have tonsils, the issue is not related to them.

I feel the foreign body sensation in the throat wall, and when I open my mouth, I can see that the left side appears more swollen, but there are no obvious problems.
I am worried about the possibility of something developing in the floor of the mouth, tongue, or neck, but the doctor advised me not to worry about that right now.
They suggested trying medication first.
I mentioned that I had an endoscopy two months ago, which confirmed gastroesophageal reflux, and the doctor said that could be the cause of my symptoms.
They recommended another endoscopy in a month.
Now, I would like to ask you, is it abnormal to still have a foreign body sensation three months after surgery? I notice that when I swallow saliva, the sensation becomes more pronounced, and I also feel it on the left side when I move my mouth.
I perceive the sensation to be in the area below the occlusion of the mouth and the posterior wall of the throat, particularly on the left side.
I have attached photos for your review; could those circled areas potentially develop any issues? Additionally, I am concerned if there might be a problem with my tongue causing this sensation.
I have already had my thyroid checked, and it was normal.
Do you think I need to undergo a CT or MRI of the head and neck? Thank you.
Also, is it possible to visually assess the tongue for any issues? Recently, I have also noticed a foul smell in my throat upon waking up; could this be due to gastroesophageal reflux?

Miss Lin, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/06/30

Dr. Zheng Jueyi reply Otolaryngology

Hello: Upon initial examination, there appear to be no obvious abnormalities, and the clinical physician has reviewed the case with no significant issues identified.
The possibility of foreign body sensation can be largely ruled out.
There are many factors that can cause this sensation, commonly associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
It is advisable to enhance dietary control and increase water intake, followed by regular outpatient follow-ups.
Wishing you peace and health.
Sincerely, Dr.
Cheng Jue-Yi, Director of the Department of Otolaryngology, Taoyuan General Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.

Reply Date: 2021/06/30

More Info

After a tonsillectomy, it's not uncommon for patients to experience lingering symptoms, including throat discomfort, a sensation of a foreign body, and pain. In your case, it has been three months since the surgery, and you are still feeling discomfort primarily on the left side of your throat, which is understandably concerning.

The sensation of a foreign body in the throat can be attributed to several factors post-surgery. First, the surgical site may still be healing, and inflammation can persist for an extended period, especially if there was significant tissue trauma during the procedure. The fact that you have a feeling of something "sticking" or discomfort in the throat could be related to residual inflammation or scarring from the surgery.

You mentioned that your doctor noted some redness at the base of your tongue and swelling near your vocal cords. This could indicate ongoing inflammation, which might be causing your symptoms. The throat is a sensitive area, and any irritation can lead to discomfort and the sensation of something being stuck.

Additionally, you mentioned experiencing gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which can contribute to throat discomfort. Acid reflux can irritate the throat and lead to symptoms such as a sore throat, a sensation of a lump in the throat, and even bad breath. The fact that you notice a foul odor in the morning could indeed be related to acid reflux, especially if you are experiencing it upon waking.

Regarding your concerns about potential growths or lesions in the throat, it is essential to follow your doctor's advice. If your doctor has examined your throat and performed an endoscopy without finding any significant issues, it is likely that your symptoms are related to inflammation rather than a more serious condition. However, if your symptoms persist or worsen, further imaging studies such as a CT scan or MRI may be warranted to rule out any underlying issues.

It is also worth considering that the sensation of discomfort can sometimes be exacerbated by anxiety or stress, especially after a surgical procedure. If you find that your symptoms are affecting your quality of life, discussing this with your healthcare provider may lead to additional management strategies, including pain relief options or referrals to specialists such as an ENT (ear, nose, and throat) doctor or a gastroenterologist for your reflux concerns.

In summary, while it is not unusual to experience discomfort and a sensation of a foreign body in the throat after a tonsillectomy, it is crucial to monitor your symptoms closely. If they persist or you develop new symptoms, further evaluation may be necessary. In the meantime, managing your reflux and following up with your healthcare provider for ongoing concerns is advisable.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Tonsillectomy: Can It Alleviate Your Symptoms?

Hello, Doctor. I would like to ask about the issue of tonsillitis. Here are the symptoms I currently have: 1. Dry and itchy throat during winter (usually lasts 24 hours a day and continues until the end of winter). 2. Sore throat after prolonged speaking (required for work). 3....

Dr. Li Jiaxuan reply Otolaryngology
The likelihood of hospitalization due to tonsillitis decreases after a tonsillectomy. Whether snoring or throat pain improves depends on the underlying causes of these symptoms, particularly if they are due to enlarged tonsils. Please consult an otolaryngologist for a thorough ex...

Post-Tonsillectomy Recovery: Common Symptoms and Timeline Explained

Hello Doctor, three weeks ago I underwent a tonsillectomy, and my wound has healed about 80% (as mentioned by the doctor during my follow-up). However, I am still experiencing symptoms of throat itchiness and coughing. I feel slight pain when yawning, and my voice sounds a bit ho...

Dr. Zheng Jueyi reply Otolaryngology
Hello: If there is no obvious pain or bleeding, the wound will generally heal gradually, with the speed of recovery varying from person to person. Increasing protein intake can help promote healing. Wishing you safety and good health. Sincerely, Dr. Cheng Jue-Yi, Director of the ...

Understanding Tonsillectomy: What to Expect and Common Concerns

Hello Doctor, I visited the clinic today and the doctor recommended that I have my tonsils removed, which I agreed to. However, I forgot to ask the following questions, and I would appreciate your answers. My condition involves recurrent tonsillitis and frequent tonsil stones. ...

Dr. Li Jiaxuan reply Otolaryngology
1. The majority of the palatine tonsils will be excised. 2. Postoperatively, there will be significant pain. For 1-2 weeks, a softer diet is recommended. Initially, due to the repositioning of the uvula and surrounding mucosa (the M-shaped area at the back of the mouth), eating m...

Post-Tonsillectomy Concerns: Pain and Recovery Insights

Hello, doctor. I was hospitalized in May of this year due to tonsillitis with purulent infection and high fever, and I received antibiotic treatment. Afterward, I switched to oral Augmentin 1g twice a day, but every time I stopped the medication, the symptoms would recur. This si...

Dr. Zheng Jueyi reply Otolaryngology
Hello: If there is no obvious fever and the pain is gradually improving, it is generally considered a normal phenomenon. However, if the pain continues to worsen, it is advisable to return for an earlier check-up. Before the wound is completely healed, it is recommended to rinse ...