Tonsillectomy & Adenoidectomy Recovery: For Parents
A guide for pediatric (paediatric) tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy recovery — the same procedure, whichever spelling you search for.
Based on Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne discharge care guidance (last checked Aug 2026). General information only.
Pain management
As per RCH Melbourne guidance, regular pain relief is important for the first week: not just "as needed" — because staying ahead of the pain helps children eat, drink and rest. Guidance describes paracetamol given regularly (up to four times a day, at least 4 hours apart), sometimes combined with an anti-inflammatory such as ibuprofen or celecoxib if the hospital has prescribed it. Give pain relief 30–60 minutes before meals so eating is more comfortable. Pain often peaks around day 4–5, which can catch parents off guard if they expect it to be improving steadily by then.
This is an explicit RCH Melbourne warning. Codeine has caused serious harm in some children after tonsillectomy. Only give the medications your hospital specifically prescribed or approved, at the doses your pharmacist or discharge paperwork specifies — not doses from this page, a general product label, or another child's prescription.
Diet
As per RCH Melbourne guidance, eating and drinking actually promote healing, so there are no specific food restrictions. Your child doesn't need to be limited to soft foods, most children can manage foods like toast once they're willing to try. Cold or icy foods and drinks are often soothing. Keep up normal tooth brushing.
Activity, school & swimming
Published guidance suggests most children need around 2 weeks off school or kindergarten, and may have low energy for about 10 days. Full healing takes about 3 weeks, RCH guidance advises against swimming until then. Try to limit your child's contact with people who have coughs or colds during recovery. Let your child's own energy levels guide their activity day to day.
What's normal for up to 2 weeks
Sore throat, ear pain, bad breath, a change in voice, and white patches on the throat where the tonsils were are all commonly reported for up to two weeks and are not on their own a cause for alarm. If your child also had an adenoidectomy, they shouldn't sniff or blow their nose for 2 weeks, and normal nasal breathing may take up to a month to settle.
- Fresh bleeding from the nose or mouth, or blood in vomit
- Frequent swallowing (can be a sign of bleeding at the back of the throat)
- Vomiting more than 4 times in 24 hours
- Complete inability to drink fluids
- A temperature of 38°C or higher
Emergency: 000 (AU) · 999 (UK) · 911 (US): or your hospital's ENT/ward number if you were given one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can children have codeine after a tonsillectomy?
No. Published RCH Melbourne guidance is explicit that medication containing codeine must not be given after a tonsillectomy or adenoidectomy. Follow the specific pain relief plan your hospital gives you.
How long is recovery from a child's tonsillectomy?
Published guidance indicates most children need about 2 weeks off school, may lack energy for around 10 days, and take about 3 weeks to fully heal. Pain often peaks around day 4–5.
When can my child go swimming after a tonsillectomy?
RCH Melbourne guidance advises waiting until the throat has fully healed, typically around 3 weeks — confirm timing with your own team.
What are the warning signs after a child's tonsillectomy?
Fresh bleeding from the nose or mouth or in vomit, frequent swallowing, vomiting more than 4 times in 24 hours, inability to drink, or a temperature of 38°C or higher all need urgent medical attention.
Your recovery toolkit
Free interactive tools to track your recovery day by day. Everything stays on your device — nothing is uploaded or shared.
These tools support — never replace — the advice of your surgical team. If something feels wrong, contact your doctor or emergency services.