Thomas F.

Neal, MD, PA
Stan E. Potocki, MD
Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery

3621 22nd Street, Suite 300

Lubbock, TX 79410
(806) 792-9417

Tonsillectomy and Adenoidectomy Information Sheet

Average recovery periods:

For children under 10 years old: 4-7 days before relieving of severe discomfort
For older children and adults: up to 2 weeks for recovery with a recommendation of
staying home from school/work for 1 week

What to avoid:

Exercise and strenuous activity

Going outside to hot temperatures

What to expect:

Low-grade fevers (up to 101.5 degrees F), ear pain and throat infections are typically
seen in the first week and do not require medication
Nasal regurgitation with eating and drinking can be expected for the first 3-4 weeks.
Soreness of throat can last for up to 1 month
Change of voice may be heard if the tonsils and adenoids are very large due to the throat
having more space.
Small drops of blood in saliva are normal for 2 weeks but large amounts of blood can
represent an emergency and medical help should be attained right away
Vomiting is common 24 hours after surgery and can contain blood clots. If blood clot is
seen in vomit after 24 hours, medical help should be attained right away

To relieve pain:

Patients will be given pain medication containing Tylenol and synthetic codeine (unless
allergic); Do not take separate Tylenol with this!
Use smaller doses of pain medication as pain lessens (can cause constipation and nausea)

Progression with food:

Try pushing liquids 30-45 minutes after pain medication is taken to prevent dehydration
even if pain occurs from swallowing
o Experiment to see if room temperature or cold fluids work best, and if milk
products cause irritation
Soft foods should be eaten for 2 weeks as scratchy food can cause bleeding from scabs in
throat