Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.
1
Is any of this happening now?
Call 911
Seek emergency care for:
Bright-red bleeding from the mouth or nose
Vomiting blood or blood clots
Repeated swallowing that could indicate hidden bleeding
Difficulty breathing, blue or grey colouring, collapse or inability to wake normally
Do not let your child eat or drink while travelling for emergency assessment unless emergency staff advise otherwise.
Other emergency signs, for anyone
Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
2
Is any of this happening?
Be seen today
Contact the surgical team promptly if your child cannot drink enough, urinates much less than usual, has repeated vomiting or has pain that remains poorly controlled despite following the treatment plan.
Also call for a fever that reaches the threshold listed in the discharge instructions or for symptoms that are worsening rather than gradually improving.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Questions about food, activity, school return or routine healing can usually wait for the surgical team's normal office hours.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Tonsillectomies and children. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.