Radio Frequency Volume Reduction for the Throat: What to Expect at Home
Your Recovery
You had radio frequency volume reduction for your throat. Your doctor put a needle into the roof of your mouth (palate) or your tongue. A small electric current went through the needle to open up the blocked area.
Many people have no pain right after the procedure, but you may have a sore throat for 4 or 5 days. You may also have some swelling of the tissues in the back of the throat. The swelling feels like a lump. If there is pain, it is usually mild right after the procedure. It gets a little worse 4 or 5 days after the procedure, and then it starts to get better. You can take medicine for the pain.
Over the next 6 to 8 weeks, the area will heal. You may notice that you have better airflow sooner. You may be snoring less or not at all.
Most people can go back to work or their normal routine the next day.
This care sheet gives you a general idea about how long it will take for you to recover. But each person recovers at a different pace. Follow the steps below to get better as quickly as possible.
How can you care for yourself at home?
Activity
- Rest when you feel tired. Getting enough sleep will help you recover. Sleep with your head propped up by 3 or 4 pillows.
- Most people are able to return to work or their normal routine the next day.
Diet
- You can eat your normal diet. If your stomach is upset, try bland, low-fat foods like plain rice, broiled chicken, toast, and yogurt.
- If it is painful to swallow, start out with cold drinks, flavoured ice pops, and ice cream. Next, try soft foods like pudding, yogurt, canned or cooked fruit, scrambled eggs, and mashed potatoes. Do not eat hard or scratchy foods like chips or raw vegetables. Avoid orange or tomato juice and other acidic foods that can sting the throat.
Medicines
- Take pain medicines exactly as directed.
- If the doctor gave you a prescription medicine for pain, take it as prescribed.
- If you are not taking a prescription pain medicine, ask your doctor if you can take an over-the-counter medicine.
- If you think your pain medicine is making you sick to your stomach:
- Take your medicine after meals (unless your doctor has told you not to).
- Ask your doctor for a different pain medicine.
- If your doctor prescribed antibiotics, take them as directed. Do not stop taking them just because you feel better. You need to take the full course of antibiotics.
Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor or nurse advice line (811 in most provinces and territories) if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.
When should you call for help?
Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:
- You passed out (lost consciousness).
- You have sudden chest pain and shortness of breath, or you cough up blood.
- You have trouble breathing.
Call your doctor or nurse advice line now or seek immediate medical care if:
- You have symptoms of infection, such as:
- Increased pain, swelling, warmth, or redness.
- Red streaks leading from the area.
- Pus draining from the area.
- A fever.
- You have new or worse trouble swallowing.
- You are bleeding.
Watch closely for any changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor or nurse advice line if:
- You are not getting better as expected.
Current as of: September 27, 2023
Author: Healthwise Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
