Facial swelling after tonsillectomy

Mild puffiness can follow anaesthesia, positioning and inflammation in the throat and nearby tissues. A sore throat can make drinking difficult, which may worsen weakness and dry mouth. Swelling that is hot, red, increasingly painful or accompanied by fever needs review for infection such as cellulitis. Sudden lip, tongue or throat swelling after a medicine can be angioedema. Tonsillectomy bleeding may show as fresh blood in the mouth or repeated swallowing and is an emergency concern.

Follow the discharge plan from the ear, nose and throat team. Take permitted fluids in frequent small sips and use prescribed pain relief on schedule so drinking remains possible. Rest, keep the head comfortably raised, and avoid strenuous activity or throat-clearing. Do not give medicines that were not approved for the patient, especially a child. Monitor urine output, alertness, swallowing and any blood in saliva.

Call emergency services for difficult or noisy breathing, blue lips, inability to swallow saliva, tongue or throat swelling, collapse or significant fresh bleeding. Seek urgent surgical advice for repeated vomiting, inability to drink, very little urine, increasing facial or neck swelling, fever or worsening pain. A dry mouth alone is less specific, but combined with poor intake and unusual sleepiness it needs prompt assessment.

Ask how much swelling is expected after this operation, which fluids and pain medicines are suitable, how to recognise bleeding, and when normal activity can resume. Confirm the out-of-hours number before leaving care.