Bleeding after tonsillectomy, normal or not?

Tonsil surgery, aka tonsillectomy, is done by removing the inflamed tonsil tissue. Sometimes, after performing this procedure, bleeding continues. Hence, it is recommended that you eat ice cream to reduce bleeding. However, how did the blood keep coming out? Is this normal to happen?

Blood keeps coming out after tonsillectomy, is it true?

In fact, it's normal to find a drop of blood in your saliva after tonsillectomy. Reporting from Healthline, this small bleeding generally occurs right after surgery or about a week later when you are recovering.

However, in some cases, the bleeding that occurs can be more severe and indicates a medical emergency that must be treated quickly. This is because the tissue of the tonsils is located near the main arteries, so that if these arteries are injured, there will be dangerous heavy bleeding.

When you find a lot of saliva mixed with blood, then immediately consult a doctor. Also be aware of other signs and symptoms of bleeding which include:

• Red blood from the mouth or nose
• Feels swallowing a lot of blood, causing the mouth to feel metallic
• Swallow frequently
• Vomiting bright red or brown blood. Brown blood is old blood that looks like coffee grounds.

Causes of bleeding after tonsillectomy

There are two types of bleeding that can occur after tonsillectomy, namely primary and secondary bleeding. This type of bleeding depends on when the bleeding appeared and the cause of the bleeding itself.

For clarity, here are the differences between primary bleeding and secondary bleeding.

1. Primary bleeding

Primary bleeding is a type of bleeding that occurs within 24 hours of tonsillectomy. This bleeding is associated with the main arteries connected to the tonsils.

Actually, there are about 5 main arteries that are around the tonsil tissue. Now, to prevent bleeding during surgery, these blood vessels will be closed with a device called an electric forceps. After that, then the tonsils will be removed and removed one by one.

If the tissue around the tonsils is not completely closed by sutures, this will lead to bleeding in the arteries. This condition is usually accompanied by vomiting of blood and bleeding from the mouth or nose.

2. Secondary bleeding

If the bleeding occurs 24 hours after the tonsillectomy is performed, it is called secondary bleeding. This type of bleeding is usually caused by loose stitch marks after tonsillectomy.

The stitch marks will begin to come off 5-10 days after surgery. This is a normal process and usually causes some bleeding. Therefore, do not rush to worry if you see dry blood spots in your saliva during this time.

However, if you experience bleeding from the mouth for more than 5 days after surgery, then don't delay to see a doctor. It is feared that there will be continued bleeding that needs immediate treatment.

How to deal with bleeding after tonsillectomy?

If you find dry blood spots in your saliva less than 5 days after surgery, this is a minor bleeding and is nothing to worry about. Immediately drink plenty of water and get enough rest to stop the bleeding.

Conversely, if bleeding occurs more than 5 days after surgery, do not delay to consult a doctor. As a first step, immediately rinse your mouth with cold water to help prevent bleeding.

Also, keep your head in an elevated position to reduce bleeding. If bleeding after tonsillectomy continues, especially accompanied by fever and shortness of breath, then immediately consult the nearest doctor.