Caring for Your Child after an Adenoidectomy
What to Expect
1. Your child will have a sore throat for up to a week.
2. A small amount of bloody drainage from the nose is common.
3. A low-grade fever is normal, possibly up to 102° F when taken by mouth or 101° F when taken under the arm.
4. A neck pain is common for up to 10 days. A warm, not hot, heating pad, soaking in a warm bath, or massaging the neck may help.
5. Foul smelling breath is common for 2 to 3 weeks.
6. Your child may have a nasal-sounding voice and/or snore for awhile. This will go away in time. If it goes on longer than 3 months, please tell your doctor.
7. Restless disturbed sleep or nightmares may occur for a couple of weeks.
What to Do
1. Your child may feel sick to his stomach from the anesthesia. Begin with clear liquids and advance to solid food, as your child is able to handle it. If he vomits, start over with clear liquids.
2. Be sure to have your child drink plenty of fluids. You should offer liquids often, even if they are just sips.
3. Give children's acetaminophen (Tylenol®) for pain relief. Follow the directions on the package. Do not give your child aspirin or ibuprofen (Pediaprofen®, Children's Motrin®). If your doctor suggests giving Tylenol®, your child may feel better if you give it every 4 hours around the clock for the first 24 to 48 hours. Your doctor may prescribe a dose of Tylenol® which can be given every 3 hours. You will be told the dose on the day of surgery.
4. Your child may go back to school or daycare in 2 to 5 days if he feels well and may take part in normal routines as soon as he feels able.
Follow Up
You will be called by a nurse after you go home, and be seen if needed after surgery.
When to Call Your Child’s Doctor or Clinic Nurse
- Nausea and vomiting that doesn’t go away.
- A fever over 102°F when taken by mouth or over 101° F under the arm.
- Bleeding from the nose or mouth that doesn’t stop.
- Pain that doesn’t go away after Tylenol® is given.
Phone Numbers
If you have any questions or concerns when at home please call:
Pediatric ENT Clinic, at (608) 265-7760 Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
After clinic hours, weekends or holidays, this number will give you the paging operator. Ask for the Otolaryngology (ENT) doctor on call. Leave your name and phone number with the area code. The doctor will call you back.
If outside the Madison area, call toll free 1-800-323-8942
The Spanish version of this Health Facts for You is #5368
The information provided should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
Last Updated: 02/24/2010
Copyright © 02/24/2010 University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority. All rights reserved. Produced by the Department of Nursing. UWH #4256
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