Download Peritonsillar Abscess

Peritonsillar Abscess
by Deanna M. Neff, MPH
En Español (Spanish Version)
Definition
Peritonsillar abscess is a bacterial infection. It develops in the back of the throat, behind or above the tonsils. The
infection causes a pocket of pus to form. The tonsil area becomes tender. Fever, trouble swallowing, jaw spasms,
and bad breath may also occur. This type of abscess usually happens on one side of the throat or the other. The
condition is more common in young adults. It can also occur in children.
The Tonsils
© 2011 Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.
Causes
The abscess is caused by bacteria. It is usually a complication of another illness, such as:
Strep throat
Pharyngitis (swelling and inflammation at the back of the throat)
Tonsillitis
Mononucleosis
Other illnesses caused by bacteria
Risk Factors
These factors increase your chances of developing peritonsillar abscess:
Age: 20-40 years
Gender: male
Recent throat infection or dental infection
Periodontal disease
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Smoking
Tell your doctor if you have any of these risk factors.
Symptoms
If you have any of these symptoms, do not assume it is due to peritonsillar abscess. These may be caused by other
conditions. Tell your doctor if you have:
Swelling of the tonsils (usually occurs on one side of the throat)
Fever
Drooling
Bad breath
Spasm of the jaw muscle
Discomfort in the uvula and soft palate (tissue at the roof of the mouth)
Difficulty swallowing
Diagnosis
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will also be done. Tests may
include the following:
Needle aspiration—a needle is used to remove a sample of tissue
Ultrasound—uses sound waves to make images of the inside of the neck
CT scan —a type of x-ray that uses a computer to make pictures of structures inside the neck
MRI scan —a test that uses magnetic waves to make pictures of structures inside the neck
Treatment
Talk with your doctor about the best plan for you. Options include the following:
Supportive Care
To recover, rest and drink plenty of fluids.
Medication
Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection. Antibiotics can be given in pill form or via an IV (a
needle that goes into the arm). Pain relievers may also be recommended.
Aspiration
Your doctor may puncture the abscess with a needle. Fluid will be removed. A sample will be sent to the lab for
testing. This procedure can be done in the doctor’s office.
Incision and Drainage Procedure
Your doctor may recommend an incision and drainage procedure. While under sedation, the doctor will make a
small cut in the abscess. The fluid will be drained.
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Tonsillectomy
Your doctor may recommend a tonsillectomy. This involves removing the affected tonsil.
Prevention
To help reduce your chances of getting peritonsillar abscess, take the following steps:
If you have an infection, see your doctor. This is especially important if you have severe or chronic throat
infections.
If you smoke, quit.
RESOURCES:
American Academy of Family Physicians
http://www.aafp.org/
American Academy of Otolaryngology, Head, and Neck Surgery
http://www.entnet.org/
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Canadian Family Physician
http://www.cfpc.ca/
College of Family Physicians of Canada
http://www.cfpc.ca/
REFERENCES:
Dunn N, Lane D, Everitt H, Little P.Use of antibiotics for sore throat and incidence of quinsy. Br J Gen Pract .
2007 Jan;57(534):45.
Peritonsillar abscess. EBSCO Dynamed website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed/what.php .
Updated November 30, 2009. Accessed February 18, 2010.
Peritonsillar abscess: diagnosis and treatment. American Family Physician website. Available at:
http://www.aafp.org/afp/2002/0101/p93.html . Published January 1, 2002. Accessed February 18, 2010.
Pharyngitis/tonsillopharyngitis. EBSCO Health Library website. Available at:
http://www.ebscohost.com/healthLibrary/ . Updated September 2009. Accessed February 25, 2010.
Last reviewed December 2011 by Laura Morris-Olson, DMD
Last Updated: 12/30/2011
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Copyright © 2012 EBSCO Publishing. All rights reserved.