Post-Op Instructions for
Tonsillectomy & Adenoidectomy
1. 
Ear Pain: expect some ear and throat pain and neck stiffness after surgery. Use the prescribed medicine, which may be changed to Tylenol as pain subsides (usually 7-10 days).
2. 
Diet: expect difficulty swallowing and pain on swallowing. A soft diet is recommended initially. At least for the first 2 weeks, sharp, spicy or very hot foods should be avoided. Click here for more information.
3. 
Don't Take: Aspirin, aspirin containing products, ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil, etc), naproxen (Alleve) or blood thinning medications for at least two weeks following surgery.
4. 
Good Hydration: is key to avoiding excessive pain, fever and malaise. Fluids are far more important than food! For tips on how to keep your child hydrated or what to do if they're dehydrated, click here.
5. 
Salt Water: rinsing or gargling can be helpful and comforting. This can be done 3-4 times daily or more (1 teaspoon salt in 1 quart of warm tap water). Click here for more information about pain control.
6. 
Fever: Call for fever in excess of 102 degrees that does not respond to Tylenol. The main reason for fever after surgery is failure to clear secretions from the lungs due to inactivity.
7. 
Strenuous Activities: should be avoided for 2 weeks.
8. 
Blowing the Nose: Do not blow the nose forcefully for two weeks.
9. 
Expect: some nasal discharge and some very bad breath.
10. 
Tooth Brushing: routinely should be continued with care, but avoid use of mouthwashes with alcohol.
11. 
Do Not Smoke: or be exposed to second hand smoke for 2 weeks.
12. 
Sleep: Keep the head elevated while reclining and sleeping for 24-48 hours.
13. 
School: Children will typically miss 7-14 days of school. They should not resume gym class for 2 weeks. Click here for more information.
14. 
Nausea: nausea medication may be used 30-45 minutes prior to pain medicine to avoid the nausea side effect that some patients experience with narcotics. Click here for more information.
15. 
Bleeding: Call the doctor immediately for bleeding or signs of bleeding. All of the Advanced ENT & Allergy surgeons are experts in this type of surgery and we are on call 24/7/365! Click here for more information about post-op bleeding.
