When lymph glands in the back of your throat, known as adenoids, frequently become infected, you may have the glands removed. The surgery often occurs alongside a tonsillectomy. The operation, which is rare in adults, is done under general anesthesia and on an outpatient basis. Very young children may be required to stay overnight in the hospital to monitor for dehydration. After surgery, a sore throat may last up to three weeks. Following a specific diet is critical to encourage quick healing.
Fluid Intake
General anesthesia lasts about four hours after the adenoidectomy, though the medication's effects vary with each person. Once the drug's effects have worn off, clear liquids are encouraged. Water, apple juice, ice chips and chicken broth are ideal clear fluids. Children may not want to drink any fluids due to throat pain, but it is critical that they drink liquids to avoid dehydration. Encourage ice chips or flavored ice pops if your child doesn't want to drink fluids. Serve beverages at room temperature and avoid extremely hot or cold liquids. Once your child tolerates clear liquids well, additional fluids may be added such as tea, sports drinks or soda. Do not offer milk or dairy-based beverages until 24 hours after surgery. Pineapple, tomato, grapefruit, cranberry and orange juices should be avoided; these juices will cause a burning sensation on the surgical site. Sip on beverages throughout the day, aiming for 4 oz. of liquids every half hour.
Soft Diet
Chewing and swallowing foods are difficult after an adenoidectomy. Introduce soft foods into your child's diet, beginning with applesauce, pudding, custard, sorbet or ice cream. Slowly add additional soft foods such as macaroni, baked potatoes, refried beans, baked apples and rice. Any soft foods are encouraged, depending on your child's preference. Encourage eating small amounts of food throughout the day if eating large meals is difficult. Most children will be able to start a soft diet about a day after surgery. Using the throat to eat as soon as possible is encouraged to promote quick healing.
Normal Diet
Switching back to a normal, solid food diet is important and should occur as soon as possible. Weight loss often occurs after an adenoidectomy or tonsillectomy, and your child will regain weight once solid food is reintroduced. Aim to be on solid foods by the end of the week following the adenoidectomy. Hard and crunchy foods should still be avoided because they will irritate the surgical site and may cause bleeding. Cookies, pizza, chips, crackers and other hard foods are discouraged for several weeks.
Considerations
Fluid intake is critical after an adenoidectomy because dehydration may cause further complications. Signs of dehydration include dark, cloudy urine and urinating fewer than three times per day. The Cleveland Clinic suggests chewing gum throughout the day to promote the use of throat muscles and avoid muscle spasms. Take acetaminophen about 30 minutes before eating to decrease throat pain. Do not take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications for pain, which may cause bleeding.
