Patient is received general anesthesia for this procedure and may feel somewhat dizzy and/or sleepy after the surgery. Anesthetic agents can remain in one’s body for up to 24 hours. It is important to rest for the remainder of the day and for child to be under adult supervision. A child should not ride his/her bike or perform such activities that require coordination.

Patients tend to experience a fair amount of pain post surgery. An earache is a common complaint among patients following tonsillectomy. The same nerve that travels to the throat is connected to the ear, so stimulation of this nerve can feel like an earache. Expect some discomfort while eating, drinking and sleeping. This discomfort can fluctuate from mild to severe for up to 14 days.

Expect some discomfort when swallowing food. Many children are uninterested in eating for up to a week. Hydration is extremely important! Encourage: juice (except for drinks that are high in citrus like lemon, lime, and grapefruit). Encourage: jello and popsicles or ice chips. These not only help in hydration but sooth the throat. Avoid: milk products such as pudding, yogurt, and ice cream for the first 24 hours. Stay away from hard ,dry and solid foods like chips and crackers which can scratch the back of the throat until you see your doctor for the follow up appointment.

Snoring and mouth breathing are normal after surgery because of swelling. Normal breathing should resume 10-14 days after surgery.

Light activity for up to 10 days. Generally, children may return to school when they are eating and drinking normally, off of all pain medications and sleeping through the night. This is 7-10 days on average and can be less or more depending on the conditions. However keep in mind that even though the patient may be feeling fine, they are at risk for bleeding up to 14 days after surgery. No diving into pools until after your follow up check with your doctor.

If there is excessive bleeding (more than a little spit up) from the mouth or nose consult your doctor immediately. If it isn’t office hours go straight to the Emergency Department. This could be a result of the scabs falling off too early and needs immediate attention. *Note: It is not unusual to vomit up old blood and gastric secretions after surgery (once or twice) but if it persists consult the doctor. You may also notice large white patches in the back of your child's throat after surgery, for up to about two weeks, this is completely normal.

• You are unable to swallow fluids

• You notice bleeding in the back of your throat and/or are spitting up blood

• You have a fever greater than 38.5 degrees

• You have severe pain that is not relieved by your pain medicine