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Adenoidectomy, Myringotomy, Tube Placement, Caring for Your Child After

 What to Expect

 

  • Your child will have a sore throat for up to a week.
  • A small amount of bloody drainage from the nose is common.
  • A low-grade fever is normal, possibly up to 102° F when taken by mouth, or 101º F when taken under the arm.
  • 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.
  • Foul-smelling breath is common for 2 to 3 weeks.
  • 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.
  • Restless, disturbed sleep or nightmares may occur for a couple of weeks.
  • It is common for children to have slight drainage from the ear for 1 to 3 days.  The drainage may be bloody, clear, or pus-like.
  • Antibiotic ear drops may be ordered.  They should be given 3 times a day for 3 days.  The drops may be more comfortable for your child if you hold the bottle under warm tap water first.

 

What to Do

 

  • 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 they vomit, start over with clear liquids.
  • Be sure to have your child drink plenty of fluids.  You should offer liquids often, even if they are just sips.
  • 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 24-48 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.
  • 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.
  • Avoid soapy water in the ears as long as ear tubes are in place.  Use ear putty when washing hair.  Also use ear putty if diving more than 2 feet under the water.

 

Follow-up

 

You will be called by a nurse after you go home. You will also have a follow up clinic visit and hearing test.

 

 

 

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.
  • Discomfort that doesn’t go away after Tylenol® is given.
  • Ear pain that goes on for more than 3 days.
  • Ear drainage that doesn’t stop after 3 days.
  • If you think your child is not recovering as well as she should.

 

Phone Numbers

 

If you have any questions or concerns when at home please call:

 

Pediatric ENT Clinic, Monday – Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, at (608) 265-7760

 

After clinic hours, weekends, or holidays, call (608) 262-0486.  Ask for the Otolaryngology (ENT) doctor on call.  The doctor will call you back.

 

If outside of the Madison area, call toll free 1-800-323-8942.

 



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: 03/10/2010

Copyright © 03/10/2010 University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority. All rights reserved. Produced by the Department of Nursing. UWH #5849

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