Tonsils – what they are: the tonsils are two small glands at the back of the throat that can be seen when the throat is opened. When the tonsils are inflamed, they become red and enlarged. The tonsils are part of the body's blood and lymphatic circulation, located on both sides of the throat, and their job is to defend the body against germs that enter through the nose and throat.
In certain cases, when the doctor decides it is needed because of repeated infections, the tonsils are removed by surgery. Symptoms: when the tonsils are inflamed and enlarged, the patient cannot breathe easily. Noisy breathing, snoring during sleep, frequent headaches, persistent middle-ear infections and, as a result, being unable to digest food properly are symptoms of the condition.
Care after tonsil surgery.
- Do not eat or drink anything from 12 hours before the operation.
- After returning to the ward, the best position is lying on the back with the head turned to one side, so that secretions from the mouth and throat can drain out.
- Once the doctor has allowed you to eat, have cool fluids and soft foods such as cool milk, ice cream (for example plain vanilla ice cream with nothing added, such as pistachios), fereni (rice pudding), etc. For the first week eat mostly soft foods, and do not eat solid foods until the throat has healed completely.
- Avoid foods that scratch the throat, such as rusks, pomegranate, dry bread, tahdig (crispy rice from the bottom of the pot), etc., for 3 weeks. In the first three days after the operation rest more, and for 10 days after the operation avoid heavy work and straining.
After the operation, do not clear the throat for some time, as this may cause bleeding. You may bathe from the day after the operation, but for two weeks do not stay for long in hot air or under hot water (a bath should last 15 to 20 minutes at most). For one to two weeks, avoid coughing, sneezing and blowing the nose hard.
- For the first two days the body temperature may rise slightly; if the raised temperature continues on the third day, tell your doctor. A child's fever may be due to not drinking enough fluids, so if the fever reaches 39 degrees (°C), consult a doctor.
- From the first day after the operation, a white membrane forms where the tonsils were removed; this is completely normal and comes away on the fourth to sixth day, which is when the sore throat will be at its worst.
- If there is heavy bleeding, see your doctor.
- Because blood is swallowed, your stools may turn black.
- Take the prescribed medicines on time and in full.
- Bad breath and severe pain in the operated area may mean that the wound has become infected, and you should see your doctor. Until the child has fully recovered, they should not take food or drink through a straw, as this increases the risk of bleeding. Earache and sore throat are common symptoms after tonsil removal.
Earache is caused by stimulation of the nerves shared by the ear and the tonsils. In these cases the child is given a painkiller as advised by the doctor. Full recovery takes about one to two weeks, and during this time the patient must drink enough fluids, because dehydration can make the sore throat worse. Never use aspirin or ibuprofen to relieve pain, as they increase bleeding.
To make your child more comfortable, you can put cool compresses or ice packs on their throat. After the operation, try to keep your child away from crowded places, from people who have colds or any kind of infection, and from places with cigarette smoke and dust. References: Smeltzer S, Bare B, Hinkle J, Cheever K. Brunner & Suddarth’s Textbook of Medical-Surgical Nursing.
12th ed. Tehran: Jameenegar; 2012. p. 108-116 - Marlow D, Wong D. Pediatric Nursing. 1st ed. Tehran: Golban Medical Publication; 2007. p. 484-496 - Mycek M, Harvey R, Champe P, Fisher B, Cooper M. Lippincott’s Illustrated Reviews
Prepared by: Azam Tirafkan – Education Unit
Source: Smeltzer S, Bare B, Hinkle J, Cheever K. Brunner & Suddarth’s Textbook of Medical-Surgical Nursing. 12th ed. Tehran: Jameenegar; 2012. p. 108-116 - Marlow D, Wong D. Pediatric Nursing. 1st ed. Tehran: Golban Medical Publication; 2007. p. 484-496 - Mycek M, Harvey R, Champe P, Fisher B, Cooper M. Lippincott’s Illustrated Reviews