- Postoperative throat pain as well as ear pain, occurs after tonsillectomy. It is most severe the first seven (7) to ten (10) days, but may last as long as 14 days. This is the worst sore throat anyone will ever experience.
- Liquid Tylenol or other pain medication should be taken as prescribed by your physician. Avoid taking aspirin, Advil, Motrin, or Ibuprofen.
- It is very important after surgery to ensure good hydration. Liquids are very important and clear juice, as well as Gatorade and popsicles, are highly recommended following surgery. Once the child feels up to it, the diet can be increased to ice cream, sherbet, Jello, pudding, or mashed potatoes. A regular diet can be resumed as soon as the child wishes to. Crunchy or scratchy foods such as pretzels, popcorn, or potato chips should be avoided the first two weeks following surgery. If your child has not urinated for 24 hours, or refuses to take liquids by mouth, please notify our office. Rarely children require admission to the hospital for intravenous fluids. After the first 24 hours, the more the throat is used, the faster recovery will be.
- Bleeding is very uncommon after tonsillectomy. However, if more than a teaspoon of bright red blood is noted, please call our office immediately and bring your child to the Emergency Room for evaluation. A doctor can be reached through our answering service 24 hours a day.
- Mild changes in voice is very common after tonsillectomy and generally resolves within three to four weeks.
- Ice packs to the neck will sometimes ease discomfort after tonsillectomy.
- A postoperative appointment should be scheduled approximately 2 to 4 weeks after surgery in our office.
- A slightly elevated temperature is not uncommon after surgery and generally indicates that more fluid intake is needed. Contact our office if the temperature is over 102º.
- Strenuous activity should be avoided for the first ten (10) days following surgery. Children generally need to be out of school for five (5) to seven (7) days following surgery.
- The area in the back of the throat often turns white after surgery. This is normal.
- Patient should not travel far from home for at least 2 weeks following thier tonsillectomy.
Call Pediatric Ear, Nose & Throat Specialists of Illinois for more information or to schedule an appointment.