Pain, about as bad as that of severe tonsillitis, and often extends into the ears
Pain often escalates on about the 5th day after surgery, and lasts for two weeks in children, or three weeks in adults
Snoring is often worse for the first two weeks while the back of the throat and nose are still swollen
Bad breath due to the formation of a slimy yellow/gray ‘scab’ in the back of the throat and nose
It is really important to keep eating your normal diet (not only soft foods) and stay well hydrated; not eating enough often causes a secondary infection in the throat, resulting in bleeding
Constipation is a common side effect of the pain medications; try therefore to eat as much vegetables and fruit as possible
Chewing biltong or chewing gum often helps relieve the pain of muscles spasms in the throat
Eating ice cream or sucking ice cubes often helps soothe the sore throat in the same way as an ice pack helps sports injuries
Don’t skip a dose of pain medications if the pain appears to be controlled; stay ahead of the pain for at least the first two weeks
If you have any of the following warning signs, please phone our rooms immediately, or if after hours, please go immediately to Blaauwberg Netcare Hospital casualty, and have them call Dr Honnet: