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Tonsils and Adenoids 

Tonsils and adenoids: Overview, treatment and after surgery care | KKH

Tonsils and Adenoids  - Symptoms

Tonsils and Adenoids  - How to prevent?

Tonsils and Adenoids  - Causes and Risk Factors

Tonsils and Adenoids  - Diagnosis

Tonsils and Adenoids  - Treatments

Medical

Antibiotics may be prescribed to treat recurrent tonsil and adenoid infections or otitis media with effusion (middle ear infections). If treated successfully, surgery may be avoided.

For children who snore or face breathing difficulties due to enlarged adenoids/tonsils, CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) may be considered to keep the upper airway open.

Surgical

Surgical removal of tonsils or adenoids is done under general anaesthesia and requires admission to the hospital. Generally, about a 48-hour hospital stay is required. Shortly after admission, blood tests may be carried out as appropriate. The child will be required to fast overnight i.e. no food or drink after 12 midnight before the operation.

For a younger child, a shorter period of fasting might be sufficient, depending on the anaesthetist’s assessment. The operation is done through the oral cavity. No incision will be made on the face or neck.

If your child has a fever or cough just before the surgery, you must inform your doctor about it. The surgery may need to be postponed if your child is found unfit for surgery.

If the child has any history, or family history of bleeding disorders, or any previous problems with anaesthesia, it must be brought to the doctor’s attention.

Soon after the surgery, your child might still be sleepy, and may vomit from the effects of general anaesthesia. This will wear off over a little time. After a few hours, your child will be allowed to drink water and eat ice cream.

Encourage sips of a cool, clear liquid when the child is fully conscious. A soft diet is usually given the next morning. Slightly blood-stained sputum may be produced, but this is expected.

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