A sore throat is a frequent and generally temporary side effect after surgery. This common discomfort is typically a manageable symptom as part of the post-operative recovery process.
Immediate Soothing Strategies
Several non-medicinal approaches can provide immediate relief. Sucking on ice chips or popsicles offers a numbing effect and helps with hydration, as dehydration often contributes to dryness. Sipping cold water or other clear, cool liquids can also moisten the throat and soothe irritation.
Gargling with warm salt water can reduce swelling and bacteria. Mix 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of warm water, gargle gently for 30 seconds, then spit out.
Throat lozenges or hard candies stimulate saliva, keeping the throat moist and reducing soreness. Sugar-free options are available for those with dietary restrictions. Resting your voice by minimizing talking, whispering, or shouting allows vocal cords to heal and reduces strain. A cool mist humidifier adds moisture to the air, preventing throat dryness and irritation.
Over-the-Counter Options
Several over-the-counter medications can provide additional pain relief. Acetaminophen, widely known as Tylenol, is a common choice for managing mild to moderate pain and can help with post-surgical fever. The typical adult dosage is 325-650 milligrams every four to six hours, with a maximum recommended daily dose of 3,000–4,000 milligrams.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen (e.g., Advil, Motrin) can also relieve pain and reduce inflammation. However, consult your surgeon before taking NSAIDs due to potential risks like increased bleeding. Anesthetic throat sprays, with ingredients like benzocaine or phenol, numb throat tissues for temporary relief, typically lasting around 15 seconds. Cough drops with menthol provide a cooling sensation and increase saliva production.
What to Avoid
To promote healing, avoid certain substances and activities that can worsen a sore throat after surgery. Hot liquids or foods can irritate tender throat tissues and cause burns, especially if the mouth is numb. Acidic foods and drinks, such as citrus fruits, tomatoes, and vinegar-based products like pickles, can increase throat irritation and inflammation.
Spicy foods, including hot sauces and chili powder, can also aggravate a sore throat due to their irritating properties. Smoking and secondhand smoke introduce chemicals that increase inflammation and hinder healing. Alcohol consumption dehydrates the body, exacerbating throat dryness, and may interfere with medications. Excessive talking, shouting, or whispering can strain vocal cords and delay recovery.
When to Seek Professional Medical Advice
While a sore throat after surgery is often temporary, certain symptoms warrant immediate medical attention. A persistent or high fever (above 101°F or 38.3°C) can indicate infection and should be reported to a healthcare provider. Worsening pain that does not improve with home remedies or over-the-counter medications also warrants contacting your surgeon.
Difficulty swallowing food or liquids, noisy breathing, or trouble breathing are serious symptoms requiring prompt medical evaluation. Signs of infection around the surgical site, such as increased redness, swelling, unusual discharge or pus, or a foul odor, necessitate attention. Pain radiating to the ear is common after some throat surgeries, known as referred pain, but if severe or persistent, discuss it with a doctor. A sore throat lasting longer than a typical recovery period (more than a few days to a week), or any persistent voice changes, should also prompt a call to a healthcare professional.