Procedure For Tonsil And Adenoid Removal
Tonsils and Adenoids form part of the lymphatic tissue that functions to produce antibodies. However, things get complicated if they start swelling. Generally, children are victims of swollen tonsils and adenoids. When tonsil and adenoids become enlarged, a number of nagging symptoms develop, which would eventually lead to tonsil and adenoid removal surgery. In reality, they interfere with the normal breathing process and incur throat and sinus infections as well.
An ENT surgeon removes tonsils and adenoids with the aid of a curette, a spoon shaped instrument. When the surgery is over, the patient is shifted to a recovery room where his health condition is monitored. Bleeding is one of the side effects of tonsil and adenoid removal surgery. If there are no complexities and the bleeding is stopped within hours after the surgery, the patient is advised to go home. Tonsil and adenoid removal is rather a simple procedure. The recovery will take 10 to 14 days in kids.
The child is advised to drink lot of fluids, especially water, after the removal of swollen adenoids and tonsils. To prevent dehydration, it is important to monitor the amount of water taken in by the child. Soft foods can be consumed after a few days following the surgery. However, it is advised to stay away from sharp foods like bread crust, chips and so on. In fact, these food items could worsen the wound and may even cause bleeding. Moreover, it is better to avoid citrus and carbonated beverages as they interfere with the healing process.
Tonsil And Adenoid Removal In Children
It is advised to stay away from ibuprofen and aspirin as it increases the chances of bleeding. Apart from bleeding, the child may beprone to bad breath as it may come from the scab that forms below the surgery site. You can provide the child with mild salt water for gargling. The dry crust of the skin may come out after 5 to 10 days after healing. Thus, the patient would be able to get rid of the bad breath.
It is advised to take rest for at least 48 hours post the removal of tonsil and adenoids. It is better to go back to school after 7 to 10 days after the surgery. However, make sure that the child is not engaged in contact sports like football or boxing within 14 days after the removal of tonsils and adenoids.
Check if the instances of bleeding persist or for the occurrence of fever after the surgery. It is advised to seek immediate medical help if any one of the above symptoms surfaces.
