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What Causes Tender Lymph Nodes In Submandibular Ganglion After A Tonsillectomy?

Posted on Thu, 11 Feb 2016

Question: I've had Tonsillectomy 4 wks ago and another procedure to fix the scar due to bleeding, a wk after. I never had Tonsil peoblem before but had insisted on the surgery because i was too scared with the swollen uvula, swollen tonsil on one side only, abcess and the overall helpless feeling and worry since i just had a baby 1 mth before this problem started. Now, post both procedures I have developed throat tighness as if there is a band on my neck and it feel uncomfortable when swallowing. I was prescribed Arcoxia, next Reparil and now Papase but the tighness didn't go away.My uvula is swollen but it has now improved slightly since I started sleeping with humidifier.Thank Goodness no issue with breathlessness.I had ultrasound on my throat a wk back and it came up with 1 non tender lymph nodes measuring 2.1cm in right submandibular region. The throat discomfort is it related to scar formation since I had 2 procedures about a mth back ( both requiring GA). I am breastfeeding my baby, is it also due to dehydration? Snoring?If it is scar tissue, how long will this last?

Answered by Dr. Sumit Bhatti (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Procedure for Post tonsillectomy bleeding has added to the discomfort.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thank you for your query.

1. Tonsillectomy in an adult is usually more painful as there is much more fibrosis due to repeated tonsillitis.

2. Added to this is the second procedure for a Post tonsillectomy bleed. The second procedure, if required, causes much more swelling and discomfort, but this should improve in the next few weeks.

3. Check for operative details as to what was done in the second procedure. If excessive electro-cautery, dissection or tonsil pillar suturing was done, it will explain the tightness and band like feeling. Dehydration would add to the discomfort.

4. Upload a close-up image of the throat and tonsil areas. If there is a no infection and no excessive slough, a short course of steroids under antibiotic cover will help.

5. The lymph nodes will settle down. It seems that the worst is over, though the recovery process will be a little longer.

I hope that I have answered your query. If you have any more questions I will be available to answer them.

Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Sumit Bhatti (3 hours later)

Thanks for the explanation. I have updated a photo of my mouth/uvula and you may note that thou the uvula is swollen there is no white scaring/patches..at least not that I can see. The feeling of throat constriction is worse when i raise my head after laying down for sometime i.e awaken from sleep/nap etc. Since I am breastfeeding, is medication with steroids safe for my baby? Or is it better to 'pump and dump' for a while and resume breastfeeding after completing the medication course. I did it when I was on Arcoxia for 1 wk and had no problem resuming breastfeeding.

Answered by Dr. Sumit Bhatti (10 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Steroids will decrease the swelling. Avoid breastfeeding for a few days.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thank you for your query.

1. The tonsil area is not seen in the attached image. The uvula looks swollen with even mucosa (no scaling/patches). This swelling will respond to a short course of steroids.

2. the muscle soreness is due to the excessive manipulation in the second procedure. This is expected in such a situation and should recover soon.

3. You should shift your baby to bottle feeds while you are on steroid medication. This will be for a short duration.

I hope that I have answered your query. If you have any more questions I will be available to answer them.

Regards.

Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar