Tonsillectomy

How Should I Look After My Child Following Tonsillectomy?

Eating and drinking is very important as it helps clean and heal the throat.
There are no restrictions on what children can have, but they often prefer softer foods.
Do also encourage foods that must be chewed such as toast. Chewing produces saliva which keeps the throat clean.
Give pain relief 30 to 60 minutes before eating to relieve the pain of swallowing.
Make sure your child drinks plenty of fluids through the day, including juice and cordial particularly in the first few days following surgery; if they are not eating a normal amount this will ensure they are getting calorie intake.
Your child should continue with teeth brushing at least morning and night.
In older children, soothing antiseptic gargles may be used.

If your child vomits stop giving food for an hour, then give fluids if he or she feels better; if this is tolerated start a light diet.
If your child continues to vomit, contact your doctor.

Children may have significant levels of pain and need pain medication for up to two weeks; it may get worse before it gets better, and this is commonly at four to five days after surgery.
Signs of pain in young children may be crying more often or refusal to eat or drink.
Regular pain relief for the first week after the operation is recommended including paracetamol and other medications prescribed.
Paracetamol can be given up to 4 times a day, with at least 4 hours between doses.
After 5 to 7 days pain levels should have reduced and most children can be managed with paracetamol as needed.
If your child’s pain is not controlled using these medications please inform your doctor who may suggest different medications.

Where possible, talk to your child about what is going to happen and why; they should be aware of what to expect after surgery.
Distracting your child with a DVD, story, or favourite activity, and comforting your child by touching, stroking or giving a massage can help in addition to pain medication.

For the first two nights, check your child at least twice during the night for bleeding or difficulty breathing; for children under 4 years, it may be best to sleep in the same room as your child.
Swallowing a lot may indicate bleeding.
If bleeding occurs call the doctor and take the child to the emergency department.
Sore throat, ear pain, bad breath, voice changes and white patches in the throat can be normal for up to two weeks after tonsillectomy; this does not mean that there is infection.
Earache is common after tonsillectomy because the nerve to the tonsil is the same one as to the ear. It is not a cause for concern.
After adenoidectomy do not let your child sniff or blow the nose for 2 weeks. It may be up to a month before your child can breathe properly through the nose.

It takes 3 to 4 weeks before healing is complete; do not go swimming until after this.
It is common for children to be very limited in their activity levels for up to 10 days.
The amount of activity should be guided by how the child feels.
Many children need two weeks home from school or kindergarten.

Has any fresh bleeding from the nose or mouth, or in the vomit, or swallows more frequently.
Vomits more than 4 times.
Cannot drink at all.
Has a temperature of 38°C or more.
Or if you have any questions or concerns about the child’s care at home.

Advanced ENT Centre
6 Napier Road, #07-16 Gleneagles Medical Centre
Singapore 258499
(Opposite Singapore Botanic Gardens)

Telephone number: +65 6471 1031

24 HOUR EMERGENCY NUMBER : 96610139