🔅 Peritonsillar abscess is a bacterial infection that usually begins as a complication of untreated strep throat or tonsillitis.
– A pus-filled pocket forms near one of your tonsils. It can cause pain and may be visible. Peritonsillar abscesses are most common in children, adolescents, and young adults.
– They often occur at the beginning or end of the winter season, when illnesses like strep throat and tonsillitis are most widespread.
Causes of Peritonsillar Abscess
– The causes of a peritonsillar abscess may include:
1). Untreated tonsillitis develops into peritonsillar abscess.
2). It can also be caused by mononucleosis or gum and tooth infections.
3). Rarely, peritonsillar abscesses occur with no previous infection. It could be due to weber glands inflammation.
The risk factors include:
• Pharyngitis or tonsillitis.
• Periodontal disease.
• Mononucleosis.
• Smoking.
Symptoms of Peritonsillar Abscess
– The symptoms of a peritonsillar abscess are similar to those of tonsillitis and strep throat. But with this condition you may actually be able to see the abscess toward the back of your throat. It looks like a swollen, whitish blister or boil.
– Symptoms of a Peritonsillar Abscess include:
1). Infection in one or both tonsils.
2). Fevers or chills.
3). Difficulty opening the mouth fully.
4). Difficulty while swallowing.
5). Difficulty when swallowing saliva (drooling).
6). Swelling of the face or neck.
7). Headache.
8). Muffled voice.
9). Sore throat (usually worse on one side).
10). Swollen glands in the throat and jaw (tender to the touch) and ear pain on the side of the sore throat.
11). Bad breath.
Diagnosis of Peritonsillar Abscess
– To diagnose a peritonsillar abscess, your doctor will first perform an examination of your mouth and throat. They may take a throat culture or a blood test to diagnose your condition.
– Signs of an abscess include:
• Swelling on one side of the throat.
• Swelling on the roof of the mouth.
• Redness and swelling of the throat and neck.
• Lymph nodes are often enlarged on the same side.
– Your doctor might also order a CT scan or MRI to see the abscess more closely. They might also use a needle to draw fluid from the abscess(es).
Treatment of Peritonsillar Abscess
– Treatment involves: drainage of the abscess and antibiotics. In severe infections, these antibiotics may be given intravenously (into a vein). Your doctor will prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection.
– In most cases, a peritonsillar abscess requires surgical drainage and antibiotics. If you get more than one peritonsillar abscesses, you may need a tonsillectomy.
– Medical procedures to treat a peritonsillar abscess include:
• Removing the pus with a needle and a syringe.
• Lancing the abscess with a scalpel to release and drain the pus.
• Surgically removing the tonsils; in a procedure called an acute tonsillectomy, which a doctor may recommend if a person has recurring peritonsillar abscesses.
– Corticosteroids may be useful in reducing symptoms and speeding recovery in patients with peritonsillar abscess.
– Tonsillitis should be diagnosed and treated as soon as possible to help prevent a peritonsillar abscess from developing.
Risk of Peritonsillar Abscess can be reduced by:
• Getting early treatment for tonsillitis and mononucleosis.
• Maintaining good oral hygiene; and
• Not smoking.
Lifestyle recommendations
– (Hydration) while your throat is very sore, use liquid nourishment such as soup or high-protein drinks. Drink liquids as directed. Try to drink liquids throughout the day. Liquids will help prevent dehydration.
– Gargle salt water, if directed. Use 1 teaspoon of salt mixed in 8 fluid ounces of warm water.
– Eat foods that are easy to swallow. Your healthcare provider may recommend a soft diet. A soft diet includes moist foods that may be ground, mashed, or pureed.
