Tonsil and adenoid removal is an outpatient procedure, and doctors might normally recommend adenoidectomy for your child only if his adenoids are so infected that they affect his breathing and cause considerable discomfort.
The Reasons behind Tonsil and Adenoid Removal
Sometimes, you might face some recurrence in tonsils and adenoid infection, with antibiotics having little impact. In such cases, tonsil and adenoid removal becomes necessary.
Adenoids are small pads of tissue located at the back of the nose and above the throat. When they get infected and swollen, they block the nose and cause breathing problems. A proper adenoid diagnosis conducted by a doctor will detect an infection. An adenoid removal surgery is simple and routine, and your child should be back on his feet within 7 to 10 days. However, a few basic precautions can aid adenoid surgery recovery.
Recovery from Tonsil and Adenoid Removal: Immediate Care Post Surgery
Post Surgery care is undertaken to detect any adenoid problems that can crop up.
(i) After the surgery, your child will be shifted to the recovery room. His vital signs will be monitored every 15 minutes or so.
(ii) Medication will be given to reduce pain and swelling.
(iii) In case, complications such as bleeding and vomiting set in, he will have to spend the night at the hospital so that he can have trained medical supervision. Otherwise, you can return home on the same day. The doctor will give a week’s supply of oral antibiotics.
Tonsil Adenoid Recovery: The Recuperation Period
The Right Diet:
Diet plays an important role in adenoid surgery recovery. Give your child liquids and soft foods. Most children are reluctant to eat during the initial days as they will experience some amount of pain while swallowing. Recommended foods include fruit juices, custard, jelly, ice cream and soft drinks. Feed your child small doses of these foods at frequent intervals. Liquids are also helpful because the antibiotics can cause constipation. Sour, sharp, and salty liquids can also cause discomfort.
Dealing with Pain:
Expect your child to be irritable and uncomfortable because of pain. The tonsil and adenoid removal surgery results in throat as well as ear pain. The ear pain is known as referral pain, and it arises due to the close proximity of the ear to the site of the surgery. While tonsils removal may result in the child having pain for nearly 10 days, in case of adenoidectomy, the pain normally lasts for 3 to 4 days. The pain is controlled by analgesic syrups. Chewing gum or sucking on ice cubes helps to soothe the soreness. Placing an ice pack on the neck can also make the child feel comfortable. You will be advised against using pain medication such as aspirin or ibuprofen as they increase the chances of bleeding.
Scabbing and Bad Breath:
During the recuperation period, a grey or yellow scab will form over the adenoid site. The scab will break off within 10 days. However, your child may suffer from bad breath prior to the falling off the scab. This is normal, and a salt water gargle can help control it.
One of the possible complications of tonsil and adenoid removal is bleeding. Specks of blood in mucus are common during the scab formation period and are not a cause for concern. However, steady bleeding is definitely worrisome, and your child must be immediately shifted to the emergency room. In extreme cases, a second operation may be required to stop the bleeding.
Getting Back to Normal:
Your child will probably have to stay away from school for a week in order to reduce the risk of infection. The first 48 hours are tough on the child as he will be having pain as well as fever, and bed rest might be necessary. However, activity levels can be increased as soon as he feels more comfortable. Once the child returns to school, make sure that he does not participate in contact sports for a fortnight at least.
Recovering from tonsil and adenoid removal surgery does involve a certain degree of discomfort. However, with pain medication, the comfort level can be increased.