Home Care Instructions Following Tonsillectomy and/or Adenoidectomy
The following instructions will help either a child or an adult recover as easily as possible from tonsillectomy and/or adenoidectomy. Taking good care of yourself or the child can prevent complications. It is very important that you read this information often and follow the instructions carefully while you are at home. Your doctor or nurse will be happy to answer any questions.
DIET
- For the first 24 hours after surgery, it is more comfortable to drink only cold, non-irritating liquids because they are easier to swallow than solid food. These liquids include water, non-irritating fruit juices such as apple, apricot, grape, peach, or pear, popsicles, Kool-Aid, and carbonated beverages that have lost the fizz.
- Custard, pudding, Jell-O, ice cream, and yogurt are also easy to swallow and are recommended for better nutrition.
- You may want to avoid citrus fruits and juices simply because they may be more painful to swallow.
- After 24 hours, soft foods like soft meat or chicken, cooked eggs, soft vegetables, mashed potatoes, peaches, pears, apricots, applesauce, cooked cereals, and strained soups will probably not hurt the throat. It is o.k. to try any of them.
- Drinking plenty of fluids is important. Adults should drink six 8-ounce glasses of liquid each day. A child should drink at least 1-2 tablespoons of liquid every 30 minutes.
Urine output is a sign of getting enough fluid. If urine appears dark yellow, drink more fluid. A child or adult urinating light yellow 4-5 times per day is probably getting enough fluid.
ACTIVITY GUIDELINES
- Strength will come back quickly. A person who has had a tonsillectomy and/or an adenoidectomy should do as much as comfortable without getting over-tired. Get your doctor's OK before participating in sports or exercise.
- No hot tubs for the first week.
- No sitting out in the sun for long periods of time for the first week. Getting overheated is not good.
- Avoid people who have colds, the flu, or any lung or respiratory infection.
MOUTH CARE
- Teeth should be brushed as often as before, preferably 2-3 times per day.
- The mouth should be rinsed after each meal with water or mouth rinse. Be sure to use a mouth rinse which contains NO alcohol.
- Do not gargle vigorously for three weeks.
- DO NOT SMOKE.
You may talk to a doctor or nurse in our office by calling the numbers 615-386-9089 or (615) 327-3077. A message center will answer your calls after office hours and contact the doctor for you.