Postoperative Care Instructions After Adenoidectomy
Postoperative Care Instructions After Adenoidectomy
⏱️ First 24–48 Hours
Rest is essential : Keep the patient at home and quiet. Avoid physical activity (running, jumping).
- Next 2–3 days: Soft, cool, non-spicy foods.
Avoid:
- Hot/spicy foods
- Acidic juices (orange, lime)
- Hard/crunchy items (chips, toast)
💊 Medications
- Paracetamol (acetaminophen) for pain/fever as prescribed.
- Antibiotics (if advised) to prevent secondary infection.
- Nasal saline drops or sprays to keep nasal passages moist and clear.
- Avoid aspirin or NSAIDs (ibuprofen) unless specifically advised (they may increase bleeding risk).
🩸 Bleeding Precautions
- Slight blood-tinged saliva or nasal mucus for 1–2 days is normal.
Seek immediate help if:
- Bright red bleeding from the mouth/nose
- Vomiting of fresh blood or large clots
- Sudden severe nasal obstruction
🌬️ Breathing & Voice
- Nasal blockage or snoring may persist temporarily (due to swelling or dried secretions).
- Nasal voice (hyponasal) is common and resolves in a week or two.
🛑 Activity Restrictions
- No school, daycare, or strenuous activity for at least 2-3 days.
- Avoid travel, swimming, or exposure to dust, smoke, or cold air during the first 10-14 days.
- Avoid swimming for 6 weeks following the surgery.
🧼 Hygiene & Environment
Maintain good oral hygiene: gentle mouth rinsing with lukewarm water or saline.
- You can use a humidifier in the room to ease breathing.
- Keep the patient away from infections (limit exposure to sick individuals).
🩺 Follow-Up
- Schedule a follow-up visit after 10days or as advised by your ENT surgeon.
⚠️ When to Contact Your Doctor
- Persistent high fever (>101°F or 38.3°C)
- Excessive pain unrelieved by medication
- Vomiting, dehydration, or refusal to eat/drink
- Active bleeding from nose or mouth
- Breathing difficulty or chest retractions