After tonsil and adenoid removal
- Patients usually stay in hospital overnight after tonsil and adenoid removal surgery
- Arrange for someone to drive you home
- Antibiotics and pain relief medication may be required for the first week after surgery
For best results after surgery
Avoid dust, smoke and fumes or anything else that may irritate the nose. To reduce your risk of infection avoid contact with people who have colds. Avoid strenuous exercise, which may increase your risk of bleeding for the first two to three weeks after surgery.
Nose blowing and sneezing
Avoid picking or rubbing the nose. Gently blowing your nose may be advised to begin the day after surgery. Try to open your mouth when you sneeze. In rare cases sneezing may cause swelling around the eyes – if this occurs contact your surgeon or nearest emergency room.
Nasal stuffiness
You may have nasal stuffiness, which can last for several weeks after surgery. For the first two weeks after surgery you may feel like you have a head cold. These symptoms should resolve as you heal. It make take up to six weeks before you feel the full benefits of tonsil and adenoid removal surgery.
Pain during recovery after tonsil and adenoid removal
A sore throat during recovery after tonsil and adenoid removal is common and will limit chewing – you may also experience referred ear pain. It is not unusual for your throat to become more painful on the 4th or 5th day after the operation. A good pain relief is to eat or drink and chew more – cooler foods may be soothing, for example, cold drinks and ice cream – chewing gum is also soothing.
Take pain medication as prescribed every 4 to 6 hours as needed – Do not take aspirin, aspirin products or NSAIDs like Nurofen for pain relief as this may increase the risk of bleeding. Eating and drinking will be easier around 30 minutes after taking pain medication
Pain relief after tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy
- Most patients experience pain for up to two weeks
- Pain relief medicine is best taken regularly as needed
- Regular panadol or panadeine are recommended
- Pain usually reduces after the first few days
- Contact your anaesthetist or surgeon if you have specific questions about pain relief after tonsil and adenoid removal
Follow-up after tonsil and adenoid removal surgery
- During follow-up visits your surgeon checks the progress of healing
- A visit is usually arranged after 6 weeks as needed
- You need to call the office to arrange your appointment
For two weeks before and after tonsil and adenoid surgery the following medications should not be taken as they impair blood clotting and may lead to excessive bleeding:
- Aspirin
- Fish oil
- Ibuprofen (Nurofen)
- Other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications
- Ginko biloba
- Vitamin E
- Garlic supplements
Report to your surgeon if you develop:
- Fever > 38.5oC
- Heavy nose bleeds
- Clear gin like fluid from the nostrils
- Green / yellow fluid (mucus) from the nostrils
- Increasingly red or tender nose
- Worsening pain in the nose, face or head
- Dizziness or fainting
Click here to learn more about recovery after tonsil and adenoid removal.