What to Have for a Child Returning Home From a Tonsillectomy

If you want to prepare for a child who will return home after a tonsillectomy, you should create a home environment that will allow her to recover in quiet and comfort. Pediatricians sometimes suggest a tonsillectomy for a child who has frequent ear or throat infections or has trouble breathing. If your child has undergone a tonsillectomy you can help her recovery easier by arranging your home to accommodate her needs.

Pain and Fever Relief

• Have acetaminophen in the house for the child who returns home after a tonsillectomy. The Cincinnati Children's Hospital advises parents to expect the child to experience a low grade fever for a few days after surgery. Medicating the child every four to six hours (the child should receive the dosage that applies for his physical stature) will help to alleviate the fever. Parents should alert the child's doctor if the child's fever exceeds 102 degrees Fahrenheit. The child can continue to receive acetaminophen for ear, jaw, neck or throat pain which may last up to 14 days after surgery.

Liquids

• Keep plenty of liquids on hand to encourage the child to drink. After a child's surgery, parents must stay alert to prevent dehydration. Offer the child plenty of juice, soft drinks, slushees, and popsicles to help the child's body stay properly hydrated. Even if you don't normally allow sugar in your child's diet, make an exception after a tonsillectomy surgery to stimulate the child to keep taking in liquids. Inadequate post-surgical care can lead to a return trip to the hospital.

Chewing Gum

• Provide your child with chewing gum or bubble gum. Chewing gum encourages the child to swallow. This creates saliva flow which can speed up healing.

Activities and Friends

• Prepare plenty of quiet games, videos and CDs, books and other activities that will entertain your child while allowing her to remain quiet post-surgery. As your child begins to feel better she will increase her activity level at her own pace, but you should encourage her to remain inactive and in a restful state as much as possible. Allow your child's friends to come and visit but stress that they must not stimulate your child too much, especially in the first few days after surgery. Consider limiting friends' visits to the den or living room where you can keep an eye on your child while she entertains friends.