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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Choking Behind Uvula After Eating Post Tonsillectomy?

I just had surgery for orantal fistula on my right sinus, also had a tonsillectomy.It has been since the 17th that I have been on meds. I cannot eat the softest of foods. Anything I try to eat, I feel like I am drowning or suffocating. Every morning as I take my meds and vitamins, at least one will get stuck behind the uvula. Everything I try to eat, gets stuck UP BEHIND the uvula. This has given great distress as the Holidys are coming. I feel I am starving, but I eat popsicles. Pudding Jellos soft ANYTHING gets up behind the uvula. Why do I have this problem. I did have a follow up with Physician. Another next week. I have a little anxiety and I want to be ready for the Holidays. I have been literally feeling depressed realizing I may never be able to eat soft foods, besides normal foods.
Fri, 20 May 2016
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Dentist,  's  Response
Hello,

I can understand your concern. As you have recently been through tonsillectomy, there must be a healing wound where your tonsils were situated before surgery. The surgery has created an empty space there which must have depressed area right now which will heal over time. So it is very common problem after tonsillectomy to have problems with swallowing and getting food stuck in the healing area.

You can do gargles with lukewarm salted water 3-4 times a day specially after eating to have relief from the irritation of the food. In addition, you can use mouthwash such as Chlorhexidine to have antibacterial effects in the area and prevent infections. You will have to wait for a few weeks for complete healing and relief from the problem.

I hope this answer helps you. Thank you for choosing HCM. Let me know if you have follow up questions.

Best,
Dr. Viraj Shah
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What Causes Choking Behind Uvula After Eating Post Tonsillectomy?

Hello, I can understand your concern. As you have recently been through tonsillectomy, there must be a healing wound where your tonsils were situated before surgery. The surgery has created an empty space there which must have depressed area right now which will heal over time. So it is very common problem after tonsillectomy to have problems with swallowing and getting food stuck in the healing area. You can do gargles with lukewarm salted water 3-4 times a day specially after eating to have relief from the irritation of the food. In addition, you can use mouthwash such as Chlorhexidine to have antibacterial effects in the area and prevent infections. You will have to wait for a few weeks for complete healing and relief from the problem. I hope this answer helps you. Thank you for choosing HCM. Let me know if you have follow up questions. Best, Dr. Viraj Shah