Tonsillectomy In Toddlers Recovery & After Care

Tips To Help Your Toddler Recover From Tonsillectomy

Tonsillitis is an infection of the tonsils in the throat and may or may not cause sore throat and fever. It is a common bacterial infection and has cause for worry. Tonsillitis is recognized by severe throat pain with difficulty in swallowing, coughing, headache, fever and chills.

The tonsils get swollen with white patches. The patches have pus caused by bacteria, but the infection will not spread to the blood stream, chest or neck.

Toddler Tonsillectomy Recovery

Toddlers can be prone to infection and can be treated with antibiotics, tonsillectomy is done when the infection gets too severe and the toddler does not respond to medication.

A tonsillectomy is recommended only if your toddler has seven or more incidences of tonsillitis in a year, has trouble breathing, swallowing, if a tumor is present in the throat or nasal passage, or if the adenoids have to be removed.

A tonsillectomy is done on an outpatient basis and your toddler is ready to leave in two to four hours. It involves a simple procedure in which the tonsils are removed from both sides of the throat in about 30 to 45 minutes. The toddler may be given intravenous fluids during and after surgery.

Toddler Tonsillectomy Recovery Care

A sore throat may persist for about two weeks after surgery. It is important to give your toddler plenty of fluids to quicken the recovery. Popsicles, sherbets, ice cream, frozen yogurt, and dairy products should be avoided as they leave a film in the mouth, making it difficult to swallow. Clear liquids, warm broth, and soups will relieve the pain and heal the throat.

Acidic juices like tomato, orange, or lemon juices will sting the throat.

A soft diet is preferred for the first few days after surgery. This can include mashed potatoes, warm soup, yogurt, scrambled eggs, custard, pudding, gelatin, and apple sauce. Keep the room in a mild and humid condition to help your toddler breathe easily. A few spoons of honey added to a glass of warm water will help relieve pain and reduce mucous.

A warm water bottle or compress can be placed on your toddler's neck to keep him or her comfortable. A cool mist humidifier will help prevent bacteria and harmful mold from growing. Keep the child away from cigarette smoke and other pollutants that can irritate the throat. Books, TV, or a good movie will keep them distracted and aid in tonsillectomy recovery in toddlers