Tonsillectomy and Adenoidectomy
After a Tonsillectomy / Adenoidectomy procedure, it is common for children to have:
  • Your child may have pain: When swallowing, drinking, and eating. Pain in the neck, jaw, or throat. Pain in the ear. A feeling that the ears are plugged is also common.
  • Pain after a tonsillectomy often gets worse at 3-5 days after surgery; this is normal.
  • Snoring or breathing through the mouth when sleeping.
  • Swelling in the middle of the roof of the mouth (uvula).
  • Nausea and vomiting. This is most common in the first 24 hours after the procedure.
  • There may be a little blood in the vomit.
  • A cough or congestion and a need to clear the throat of mucus and thick spit (phlegm).
  • There may be a little blood in the phlegm.
  • Fever.
  • Bad breath.
  • A voice that sounds muffled.
  • About 2–10 days after surgery, a thick, white scab will form where the tonsils used to be. This is not a sign of infection.
Your child may start feeling better after a week. Encouraging your child to swallow, drink liquids, and eat soft foods can help with recovery. General InstructionsHave your child avoid gargling and using mouthwashes until the health care provider says it is okay. Gargling too soon can cause bleeding. While your child is recovering, keep him or her away from people who have infections. Have your child avoid taking trips by airplane until at least 2 weeks after the procedure. Keep all follow-up visits as told by your childs health care provider. This is important.
MedicinesGive over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your childs health care provider. Pain medicine may help with swallowing. It is especially important to keep on top of pain control in the first 5 days. Your child should have ibuprofen and Tylenol® around the clock. Ideally, you can alternate each medication every 4 hours.  For example, at noon take Tylenol at 15 mg/kg, at 4:00 pm, take ibuprofen 10 mg/kg, at 8:00 pm repeat the Tylenol at midnight, etc. If you were prescribed additional medication, this can be taken if the pain is not controlled with the above regimen Do not give your child aspirin because of the association with Reyes syndrome. Ask your childs health care provider if the medicine prescribed to your child: Will make them feel drowsy Can cause constipation. Your child may need to take these actions to prevent or treat constipation:o Take over-the-counter or prescription medicines.o Eat foods that are high in fiber, such as smoothies made from fresh fruits and vegetables.o Limit foods that are high in fat and processed sugars, such as fried or sweet foods. Managing your Child’s PainKeep pain under control can help your child rest and make swallowing easier. To make your child more comfortable when he or she is lying down, try keeping your childs head raised (elevated). To help with throat dryness and swallowing, use a humidifier near your child.