What can I expect after the procedure?

After the procedure, it is common to have:

  • Scabs. There will be scabs in place of the adenoids. These will fall off as you heal.

  • Throat, jaw, or ear pain.

  • A stiff neck.

  • Congestion or a stuffy nose.

  • Some swelling. You may have the following until the swelling goes down:

    • A change in your voice.

    • Snoring.

    • Mouth breathing, or breathing through your mouth instead of your nose.

  • Trouble swallowing.

  • Bad breath. This should improve as the scabs go away.

Follow these instructions at home:

Eating and drinking

Three cups showing dark yellow, yellow, and pale yellow urine.

  • Follow instructions from your health care provider about eating or drinking restrictions. Your health care provider may recommend liquids and then a soft diet as you heal.

  • Drink enough fluid to keep your urine pale yellow.

Medicines

  • Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.

  • If you were prescribed an antibiotic medicine, take it as told by your health care provider. Do not stop using the antibiotic even if you start to feel better.

Activity

A sign asking you not to drive.

  • If you were given a sedative during the procedure, it can affect you for several hours. Do not drive or operate machinery until your health care provider says that it is safe.

  • Return to your normal activities as told by your health care provider. Ask your health care provider what activities are safe for you.

General instructions

  • Place a warm, wet cloth (compress) on your neck, shoulders, or jaw to ease pain and stiffness.

  • Do not use any products that contain nicotine or tobacco. These products include cigarettes, chewing tobacco, and vaping devices, such as e-cigarettes. If you need help quitting, ask your health care provider.

  • Keep all follow-up visits. This is important.

Contact a health care provider if:

  • You have a fever.

  • Your neck and shoulders are still stiff after a few days.

  • Your pain is not controlled with medicine.

  • Your voice or speech does not return to normal within 4 weeks.

Get help right away if:

  • You bleed from the mouth or nose.

  • You are dehydrated. Signs of dehydration include dark urine or not urinating.

  • You cannot eat or drink without vomiting.

  • You have chest pain or trouble breathing.

Summary

  • After the procedure, it is common to have scabs in place of the adenoids. These will fall off as you heal.

  • Your health care provider may recommend liquids and then a soft diet as you heal.

  • Keep all follow-up visits.

  • Get help right away if you have bleeding from the mouth or nose.

This information is not intended to replace advice given to you by your health care provider. Make sure you discuss any questions you have with your health care provider.