Care after Your Tonsillectomy

• Fluid intake is the most important single factor in recovery after tonsillectomy. After reacting to the anesthetic and even while still drowsy, small amounts of water should be taken at frequent intervals. Later, this should be increased to rather large volumes of cool liquids, such as water, milk, tea, fruit and vegetable juices such as apple, pineapple, grape, tomato, etc. Although it is painful to swallow at first, fluid must be taken to prevent severe pain, fever and infection.
• Ear pain is a frequent occurrence after tonsillectomy and often this is worse about the fourth to sixth day after surgery.
• Swallow all saliva, even though it is at times difficult.
• Soft foods such as creamed potatoes, milk toast, eggs, cooked cereals, such as Cream of Wheat and oatmeal, grits, marshmallows, applesauce, bananas, Jello, and soft vegetables may be taken the day after surgery. Melons and peaches in season are fine. Avoid hot foods for five days, but thereafter any food that are not excessively scratchy, such as hard toast, bacon, potato chips, etc. may be taken.
• Do not swab your throat. After the third day, three times a day, open the mouth as wide as possible and stretch the tongue out forward as far as possible. This tends to help prevent adhesions. Teeth may be brushed after the first day. Tub bath or shower may be taken after the second day and hair may be washed after the second day.
• Avoid becoming overheated or fatigued for a period of two weeks. Children may usually return to school after one week, but there should be no participation in physical education classes for two weeks after surgery.
• It is IMPORTANT that you have a check-up approximately 14 days after the surgery. The appointment for this check-up may be made at the time of leaving the hospital.
• Chewing gum, plain, is often helpful and my be chewed several times daily. (No Aspirin gum).