Chocolate After Tonsillectomy: Why It's Contraindicated During Recovery
Chocolate is not recommended after tonsillectomy.
Risks
- Sugar feeds oral bacteria: Increases infection risk at surgical site.
- Texture: Even melted chocolate can adhere to raw tonsillar fossa, disrupt clot.
- Caffeine/theobromine: Mild vasodilation → may increase bleeding risk (though evidence weak).
- Acidity: Can irritate exposed mucosa.
Post-Tonsillectomy Diet Progression
- Days 1–3: Clear liquids (water, apple juice, broth, electrolyte drinks), ice chips, popsicles.
- Days 3–7: Soft, bland: applesauce, yogurt, pudding, mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, oatmeal.
- Days 7–14: Gradual advance to regular diet; avoid sharp, spicy, acidic, crunchy foods.
Key Recovery Principles
- Hydration is paramount (prevents dehydration, reduces pain).
- Pain control on schedule (not PRN) enables eating.
- Ear pain (referred) common – not infection.
- Bad breath, white slough (fibrin) normal.
Follow surgeon's specific protocol. Chocolate can wait 2 weeks.
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