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What Causes Nausea And Diarrhea Post A Tonsillectomy?

Posted on Wed, 7 Dec 2016

Question: Hi, I'm a 47 year old female who had her tonsils removed in XXXXXXX since then I've suffered from bouts of nausea, diarrhoea,dry mouth and fatigue. Are these linked to the tonsillectomy or is it something else? Thanks. Pam

Answered by Dr. Shuba hariprasad (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Diet modifications, if not better, to check for irritable bowel syndrome

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for your query.

I'm Dr. Shuba Hariprasad and will be answering your query today.

I believe that the tonsillectomy could have triggered the symptoms of irritable bowels.

Would you clarify a few things for me, please?
# did you take antibiotics after the surgery?
# do you have any other medical issues or take any medications?
# have you noticed any particular trigger foods after which you have the bouts of diarrhea?
# when you have the diarrhea, how long does it last? Is it watery? How many episodes in a day? Any mucus or blood in it?
# any fever or vomiting during that time?
# does it resolve by itself?
# any diet changes since June?
# any weight loss?

I recommend :
-take a probiotic twice a day
-drink lefty of water (3 litres) if not medically contraindicated
- maintain a food diary and note down everything that you eat and drink and quantity of water intake
- avoid processed foods & refined grains.
-limit fiber intake and stick to natural fiber like sprouts, whole fruits & vegetables
- chew food thoroughly before swallowing. Helps in digestion and reduces retention time in stomach
-try to identify trigger foods (commonly potato, beans, lentils, cabbage)

If these measures don't help in a month or symptoms worsen, I suggest :
-a physician consult
-stool analysis
-ultrasound abdomen
-blood tests (complete blood count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, kidney and liver function tests)
-a colonoscopy If necessary

Based on these a treatment plan will be made. Hope this helps. Please let me know if there is anything else I can help you with.
Wish you good health

Regards,
Dr. Shuba Hariprasad

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Veerisetty Shyamkumar

Follow up: Dr. Shuba hariprasad (36 minutes later)

Thankyou for your response. I am on other medication for blood pressure and migraines. The migraine meds I have only been taking since my surgery. I am going to stop taking these to see if it makes a difference, as there is nothing else I can think of that is causing my issues.
I have had no significant weight loss or major diet changes.
The diarrhoea usually rights itself and, it's watery, but no blood or mucus, usually 2/3 episodes within the space of a few hours.

Answered by Dr. Shuba hariprasad (5 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Yes please try that

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for the follow up

Yes, do try stopping the medicine. Talk to your doctor about this.
Please do consider my earlier recommendations as well. It should help as it does seem like symptoms of an irritable bowel.

Hope you feel better. Please let me know if there is anything else I can help you with.
Wish you good health

Regards,
Dr. Shuba Hariprasad

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Veerisetty Shyamkumar

Follow up: Dr. Shuba hariprasad (40 minutes later)

Thankyou

Answered by Dr. Shuba hariprasad (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Take care

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
You are most welcome

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. Veerisetty Shyamkumar