Sore throat two months after tonsillectomy

The tonsil area usually heals well before this point, but the throat can still become irritated by a cold, influenza, COVID-19, post-nasal mucus or acid reflux. Dry air, mouth breathing, voice strain and dehydration may cause scratchiness. Sore throat with fever, swollen neck glands, a coating on the throat or marked pain when swallowing can occur with an infection. Removing the tonsils does not prevent every throat infection because other throat tissues remain. A clinician can inspect the mouth and throat and consider the timing of symptoms.

Drink cool or warm fluids according to what feels soothing, choose soft foods, avoid smoke and keep the room comfortably humidified. Rest your voice and use suitable pain relief according to the label or a pharmacist’s advice. Do not scrape the throat or start leftover antibiotics. If reflux may be contributing, avoid lying down soon after meals and note whether symptoms follow late, spicy or acidic food. Arrange review if pain is persistent, recurrent or interfering with eating.

Seek urgent help for trouble breathing, inability to swallow saliva, drooling, rapidly increasing swelling, bleeding, dehydration or a muffled voice. Arrange prompt assessment for high fever, severe one-sided throat pain, difficulty opening the mouth, neck swelling or worsening symptoms. Contact the surgeon or clinician who performed the operation if pain has continued or returned after recovery. Related pages include [Acid Reflux](/conditions/acid-reflux/) and [Strep Throat](/conditions/strep-throat/).

Ask whether the throat looks infected or irritated, whether reflux or nasal allergy could explain the symptoms, and whether a swab or other test is appropriate. Share your temperature, swallowing ability, medicines, recent contacts with illness and any bleeding or weight loss.