Child had tonsils and adenoids out and now has horrible ear pain, what to do?

Time for visit: This symptom pattern requires an office visit for proper evaluation and treatment.

This is expected: The ear pain is referred pain from the tonsillar bed - and there is not much that can be done to alleviate it. The best things to do are make sure the child is as well-hydrated as possible (the drier the membranes, the more pain), and that you are using the pain medications recommended or supplied by your ENT surgeon.

Expected after T+A: Your ears often hurt after the tonsils have been removed. Spasm of some of the throat muscles (which head up towards the ears, confusing the patient about where the pain is really coming from). Chewing gum or gummy candies can really help. Motrin is now permitted for most patients after surgery and can help too. It should go away within a week.