Most children are nearly fully recovered after 7 to 10 days. Some bounce back after 4 or 5 days. A sore throat is very common after a tonsillectomy, but the ears sometimes hurt as well because the tonsils in the mouth are so close to the ears. As the mouth heals, the ear pain will go away. Adenoidectomy does not cause as much pain and a child usually recovers in 3 to 4 days.
Adults are much slower to recover after a tonsillectomy.
It is not uncommon for an adult to be off of work for 2 to 3 weeks and not eating solids for at least 2 weeks. Encourage your child to speak, clear his or her throat, and swallow. Chewing gum may also be helpful. If it goes above 101, call and we will discuss it. Often, fever goes away in a few days.