After adenoid and tonsil surgery

The first 24 hours

• A sore throat and pain referred to the ear are expected. Ear pain is referred pain, not an ear infection.
• Fluids matter most: give small amounts, often.
• Bad breath and a white-grey coating in the throat are normal and are not infection.
• Give pain relief on the schedule your surgeon gave, on time — giving it before pain builds up works better.

Days 1–5

Pain increases in most children around day 3–5; this is the expected course, not a sign that healing is going wrong. Your child may be reluctant to swallow because of pain — keeping fluids going is the most important thing in this period.

• Offer soft, lukewarm foods; avoid anything very hot, hard or spicy.
• Return to school or nursery is on your surgeon's recommended timing; avoid crowded settings for a while.
• Postpone jumping, running and contact play.

Days 6–14

The scab in the throat comes away during this period. Slight pink in the saliva can happen; fresh red bleeding is an emergency. Pain and loss of appetite noticeably ease around this time.

Go to the emergency department immediately

Do not wait for an appointment for the following — go straight to the nearest emergency department:

• Fresh red bleeding or spitting up blood
• Not taking fluids; reduced urination, a dry mouth, drowsiness (signs of dehydration)
• Difficulty breathing or a sudden increase in snoring
• Repeated vomiting
• A high fever that does not come down

This page is a general guide. **Your surgeon's own instructions take precedence**; your medication, the day your splint or stitches come out, how long before you return to work, and your follow-up dates are planned for you individually and may differ from this page.