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Adenoid and tonsil removal in children (adenotonsillectomy) Q&As

Published by Bupa's health information team, April 2009.

Answers to questions about adenoid and tonsil removal in children (adenotonsillectomy)

This section contains answers to common questions about this topic. Questions have been suggested by health professionals, website feedback and requests via email.

How soon can I give my child something to eat and drink after an operation to remove the adenoids and tonsils?

Your child will usually be allowed to drink fluids as soon as he or she has recovered from the general anaesthetic. You should try to get your child to eat food as soon as possible.

Explanation

After an adenotonsillectomy your child will have a sore throat and find it painful to swallow during the first few days. Giving pain relief half an hour before meal times will make it easier to swallow. Start with soft or liquid food and don't give your child hot or spicy food for a few days, as these can irritate the healing wound.

Make sure your child's meals contain a balance of carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins and minerals. A healthy diet will help your child recover quickly because the body needs a good source of nutrients to maintain a healthy immune system and to repair tissue. Fats and carbohydrates provide energy. A poor diet can increase your child's risk of developing an infection and delay healing.

Starchy foods such as bread and potatoes are the main source of carbohydrates. Milk and dairy products such as cheese and yoghurt are rich in protein, vitamin D and calcium. Meat, beans and pulses also provide protein. Fruits and vegetables are a good source of vitamins and minerals.

Getting your child to eat

Encourage your child to eat by keeping the meals varied and simple, and try to limit snacks between meals. For breakfast you could give your child a soft-boiled egg and toasted soldiers or a fruit smoothie. For lunch you could give him or her tomato soup with croutons and yoghurt or a piece of soft fruit (for example, a banana). In the evening you could give jacket potatoes with beans followed by fruit crumble with custard.

It's also important to get your child to drink regularly. Encourage your child to drink fruit juice, milk or water, and don't give fizzy drinks.

Further information

Sources

  • IPG150 Electrosurgery (diathermy and coblation) for tonsillectomy - guidance. NICE. www.nice.org.uk, accessed 27 December 2007
  • Lee WC, Sharp JF. Complications of paediatric tonsillectomy post-discharge. J Laryngol Otol 1996;110:136-140
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What is an ENT surgeon?

An ENT surgeon is a doctor trained in the surgical and medical treatment of conditions of the ears, nose, throat, head and neck.

Explanation

ENT surgeons are doctors who manage conditions that affect the ears, nose, throat, head and neck. This includes problems with hearing and balance, sinus infections, snoring, and voice and swallowing disorders. They also deal with throat and neck cancer. ENT surgeons carry out nasal and sinus surgery, throat and larynx surgery, operations on the neck, remove adenoids and tonsils, and insert tubes into the ears (grommets).

ENT surgeons are usually called Mr or Mrs rather than Dr and will have FRCS (Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons) after his or her name.

The Royal College of Surgeons is responsible for the training and examination of surgeons, and supports surgical research in the UK. It is not involved in the licensing or registering of surgeons to practise.

If you think you need advice or treatment from an ENT specialist contact your GP. He or she will be able to recommend a reputable surgeon or give advice about how to choose where to be treated.

Further information

Sources

  • The Royal College of Surgeons of England. www.rcseng.ac.uk, accessed 23 January 2008
  • British Association of Otorhinolaryngologists - Head & Neck Surgeons. ENT UK. www.entuk.org, accessed 23 January 2008
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Will an adenotonsillectomy affect my child's voice?

Your child's voice may sound different for a short while after the operation. It's unlikely that the operation will have any long-term effects on your child's voice.

Explanation

The larynx, or the voice box, sits at the entrance to the trachea (windpipe). It functions as an airway to the lungs, and stops food and drink going into the windpipe when you swallow.

Your voice consists of a tone produced by the larynx which is modified by the resonating chamber including the tongue, teeth, lips and nose. Some temporary changes may occur because the adenoids and tonsils lie close to the larynx and nasal passage. For example your child's voice may sound muffled and hoarse when they have tonsillitis or swollen adenoids.

Swelling in the area may affect the quality of the voice after the operation. Your child may temporarily sound like they are talking through their nose after having the adenoids removed. This usually settles within a few weeks. However, if voice changes persist for more than three weeks you should contact your ENT surgeon.

Further information

Sources

  • The voicebox (larynx). Macmillan Cancer Support. www.macmillan.org.uk, accessed 24 January 2008
  • Jarboe J, Zeitels S, Elias B. Tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy in singers. J Voice 2001;15(4):561-564
  • Mora R, Crippa B, Dellepiane M, Jankowska B. Effects of adenotonsillectomy on speech spectrum in children. Int J Pediatr Otorhionlaryngol 2007;71(8):1299-1304
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This information was published by Bupa's health information team and is based on reputable sources of medical evidence. It has been peer reviewed by Bupa doctors. The content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.

Publication date: April 2009.

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Adenoid and tonsil removal in children (adenotonsillectomy) factsheet

Visit the adenoid and tonsil removal in children (adenotonsillectomy) factsheet for more information.

 

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