Tonsils are two small masses of tissue situated at the back of the throat, with each one on either side. They are like the body’s security guards, trying to catch germs that try to enter when the child breathes in or ingests.
Tonsillitis is a disorder that occurs when these tonsils are infected. Some observed symptoms are difficulty swallowing, sore throat, fever, bad breath, and headache.
A tonsil surgery, also known as Tonsillectomy, involves the surgical removal of tonsils, which are the source of troublesome symptoms such as pain in the throat, irritabilities, or sleep disturbances in otherwise healthy children.
Does my child need tonsil surgery?
The answer can be ‘YES’ if your child is experiencing the following;
- Repeated infections
- Seven or more episodes in 1 year period, or
- up to 5 episodes per year for two consecutive years or
- Three episodes per year for three years
- Child is unable to achieve average height and weight
- Has poor school performance
What should I do before my child’s tonsil surgery?
As a parent, seeing your kid go through any medical stuff can be worrisome.
Take good care of your child’s physical and mental well-being before tonsil surgery as follows;
● Explain the main reason for the surgery to your child quickly. Part of your instruction should use visual figures or videos to explain the normal tonsil anatomy. Tell them that the surgery is not for punishment or torturing them but to make them feel better.
● your child should be encouraged to ask questions about their surgery. Address any fears that they may have.
● You must comply with and follow the Instructions of your child’s doctor regarding fasting before the surgery and discuss medications that your child needs to stop taking beforehand, especially those that stimulate bleeding.
● Let your child accompany you to the surgical centre whenever you can. This will help them see the environment and recognize some nurses/ attendants taking care of them.
● Please look for a comfortable way to get your child to the hospital a day before the day of their surgery.
● Tell your child more about the anesthesia, that they will receive medicine to assist them in sleeping during surgery, and not to worry since they won’t feel anything during the process at all. Parents will come when they wake up at the end of the surgery.
● Be sure to pack a few comfort items, like a favourite stuffed animal, blanket, or toy, to help your child be more at ease while in the hospital.
● Arrange care of your other children on the day of the surgery. Thus, you can put your mind with the child on the day of the process.
● Be at your child’s side on the day of surgery. Be there, supporting them, holding their hand
● Stay calm when you walk your child to the surgery. This way, you will help your child feel more secure with your confidence.
What to expect on the day of Tonsil surgery?
On surgery day, arrive early at the hospital. Your child will get checked to make sure they’re ready. The doctor will check their vital signs and medical history and give them medicine.
When it’s time for surgery, your child goes to the operating room. You wait nearby. The surgery takes 30 to 45 minutes, but you might stay longer for prep and monitoring. During tonsil surgery in children, the surgeon removes the tonsils from the body, thus removing the source of unsettling symptoms.
What post-surgery care should I provide to my child undergoing tonsil surgery?
Your child’s tonsil surgery is over, and you are on the road to recovery. Here are some tips to ensure fast and healthy healing:
Pain Management:
Ensure your child follows the doctor’s instructions by taking the proper medications for the pain. Try cool foods like ice cream or yogurt at the beginning of a meal. This will soothe the throat.
Stay Hydrated:
Please ask your child to drink a lot of water and not dehydrate. Offer cool water, fresh juices, or herbal teas. Alternatively, you can give them ice lollies. Use a cool-mist-humidifier in your child’s room because it wets the air through water vapours.
Rest:
Please be sure that your kid has enough rest and does not participate in physical activity for two weeks after surgery. At the same time, engaging them in creative activities like arts and crafts creativity or reading books is essential, rather than allowing them to watch TV for hours or play computer games all day.
Dietary Advice:
The initial diet after surgery should be a ‘baby diet’.
| Do’s | Don’ts |
| Avoid foods that may irritate their throat, such as citrus fruit juices crunchy hard foodspicy and sour foods like picklesnuts like almonds, walnuts etc. | Avoid foods that may irritate their throat, such as citrus fruit juices, crunchy hard food, spicy and sour foods like pickles, nuts like almonds, walnuts etc. |
Follow-Up Appointments:
Be punctual to all of your scheduled appointments with your child’s doctor. Ensure you go through all the instructions to eliminate any possibilities of trouble. Your doctor will help your child recover and will always be ready to rectify any challenges that might come up.
Provide Emotional Support:
Love, comfort, and reassurance! Tell them you are never far, and they have the right to be apprehensive and even unnerved.
When to Seek Medical Attention?
Contact your child’s doctor immediately if you notice any of the following symptoms:
● The gum or nose bleeding that happens frequently
● continuous fever
● Severe throat pain
● Difficulty breathing or swallowing
Surgery is a very challenging event to cope with. Inform the doctors about your child’s health and follow the doctor’s recommendations. This is what will give you the best results. We wish your child a safe surgical experience and an early recovery.