Now that your child has undergone a Tonsillectomy or adenotonsillectomy surgery and has come home here are the things that you need to keep in mind –

Pain management

• There will be some soreness in the throat following the surgery and if the Adenoids were also removed it could also cause some nasal discomfort
• Give pain medication as prescribed – on schedule – do not wait for the pain to start
• Use pain relieving gargles as prescribed – especially before and after a meal
• There may be ear pain as well – this is a referred pain and is related to the tonsils – it does not indicate an ear infection

Diet

Foods to be given- ice cream (vanilla etc) , jelly, smoothies, lassi, Electoral with cold water, kheer, halwa, rice and curd, bread and chilled milk, cooled down bland soup etc.

• Food should be cold, not hot
• Food can contain salt and turmeric
• Avoid chillies and garam masala and other spices
• Avoid sour things like citrus fruit juice
• If the child is old enough chewing gum helps the wound to heal faster
• Take sips of Electral in cold water throughout the day
• Avoid sharp objects like chips etc

Recreation and Comfort

• Keep the child entertained
• Humidify the room
• Keep a towel over the pillow to collect saliva that may sometimes dribble out
• Explain to the child that each day will be better than the previous day

When to speak with or show to the Doctor

• Red blood coming from the throat
• High fever
• Food regurgitating from the nose
• Severe pain not being relieved with medication
• Dehydration
• Bloody vomiting

Pain after a Tonsillectomy usually settles in about a week’s time

A white membrane on the tonsil is normal and takes about 7 to 10 days to disappear

Normal food can usually be started after 5 to 7 days

Visit your doctor regularly on follow up visits