Index
We are talking about the result of a tonsillitis that gets complicated, spreading the infection beyond the tonsils.
A peritonsillar or peritonsillar abscess is a collection of painful, pus-filled tissue that forms in the back of the throat near one of the tonsils.
Peritonsillar abscesses, also called parasites, usually appear as a result of tonsillitis. These abscesses are rare because doctors tend to treat strep throat and tonsillitis with antibiotics.
What Causes a Peritonsillar Abscess?
Peritonsillar abscesses form near the tonsils.
Peritonsillar abscesses are usually caused by Streptococcus pyogenes, the same bacteria that cause strep throat and tonsillitis. If the infection spreads beyond the tonsil, it can create an abscess around the tonsil.
Peritonsillar abscesses usually appear in young adults during the winter and spring, when strep throat infections and tonsillitis are more common.
In rare cases, people can develop peritonsillar abscess without tonsillitis. Tonsillitis is more common in children, while peritonsillar abscesses are more common in young adults.
These abscesses are rare after a person has their tonsils removed, although they can still occur.
Symptoms of peritonsillar abscess
The symptoms of a peritonsillar abscess can be similar to those of tonsillitis and strep throat, but are often more severe.
A person can sometimes see the abscess towards the back of the throat, and it may look like a blister or boil.
People often experience:
- Painful swallowing, called odynophagia .
- An inability to swallow saliva.
- Fever and chills
- Pain caused by lockjaw , which is a difficulty or inability to open the mouth.
- A muffled voice.
- A headache.
- Swelling of the neck and face.
Diagnosis of peritonsillar abscess
Throat ultrasound
A doctor may recommend an ultrasound to diagnose a peritonsillar abscess.
A doctor will examine the mouth and throat to diagnose a peritonsillar abscess. They can usually identify this condition with a visual inspection.
To aid in the exam, the doctor will likely use a small lamp and a tongue depressor. Swelling and redness in a tonsil can suggest an abscess. They can prick the inflamed area to determine if there is pus inside.
If there is pus, the doctor can collect a sample to send to a lab for further testing.
A doctor may, in some cases, order X-ray or ultrasound images of the mouth or neck to rule out other conditions, such as peritonsillar cellulitis, epiglottitis, or other upper respiratory infections.
Treatment of peritonsillar abscess
A person cannot treat a peritonsillar abscess at home. Contact a doctor to discuss the appropriate options. The best treatment will depend on how severe the abscess is and how well the person reacts to the antibiotics.
A doctor may try to treat a peritonsillar abscess with antibiotics first. If they have no effect, the doctor may remove the pus from the abscess to help it heal.
Medical procedures to treat a peritonsillar abscess include:
- Remove the pus with a needle and syringe.
- Intervene in the abscess with a scalpel to release and drain the pus.
- Surgical removal of the tonsils, in a procedure called acute tonsillectomy, which a doctor may recommend if a person has recurrent peritonsillar abscesses.
Peritonsillar abscesses are often a complication of tonsillitis.
Complications
When a person is treated, a peritonsillar abscess usually clears up without causing any further problems. However, in the absence of treatment, an abscess can cause serious problems.
Complications of a peritonsillar abscess include:
- A blocked airway.
- Dehydration
- Infection in the jaw, neck, or chest.
- Bacterial infection in the bloodstream, known as sepsis.
- Pneumonia.
- Meningitis.
- Endocarditis , an infection in the inner lining of the heart.
Panorama
The long-term outlook for a peritonsillar abscess is good when a person receives the proper treatment, such as antibiotics or a procedure to drain the pus.
Without treatment, a peritonsillar abscess can develop into a more serious problem, such as sepsis or airway obstruction.
Prevention of peritonsillar abscess
Peritonsillar abscess cannot be prevented, but a person can reduce risk by:
- Refrain from smoking.
- Treating bacterial tonsillitis before it gets worse.
- Treat oral infections.
- Practice good dental hygiene.
Summary
A peritonsillar abscess is a pus-filled, painful pocket of tissue that forms in the back of the throat, near a tonsil. It is usually a complication of strep throat or tonsillitis.
The best treatment for a peritonsillar abscess depends on how severe the abscess is and how well it responds to antibiotics. Some treatments involve draining the abscess or performing an acute tonsillectomy.
