Peritonsillar Abscess – causes, signs, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment

What is peritonsillar abscess?

A peritonsillar abscess is a bacterial infection that usually begins as a complication of untreated strep throat or tonsillitis. It generally involves a pus-filled pocket that forms near one of your tonsils.

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.

Peritonsillar abscesses usually occur as a complication of tonsillitis. If the infection breaks out of a tonsil and spreads to the surrounding area, an abscess can form. Peritonsillar abscesses are becoming less common due to the use of antibiotics in the treatment of strep throat and tonsillitis.

Mononucleosis (commonly referred to as mono) can also cause peritonsillar abscesses, as well as tooth and gum infections. In much rarer cases, it’s possible for peritonsillar abscesses to occur without an infection. This is generally due to inflammation of the Weber glands. These glands are under your tongue and produce saliva.

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:

• infection in one or both tonsils
• fevers or chills
• difficulty opening the mouth fully
• difficulty swallowing
• difficulty swallowing saliva (drooling)
• swelling of the face or neck
• headache
• muffled voice
• sore throat (usually worse on one side)
• swollen glands in the throat and jaw (tender to the touch) and ear pain on the side of the sore throat
• bad breath

Peritonsillar abscesses could cause severe symptoms or complications. Rare and more serious symptoms include:

• infected lungs
• obstructed (blocked) airway
• spreading of infection to throat, mouth, neck, and chest
• rupture of the abscess

If you don’t treat the abscess in a timely manner, it can result in infection throughout the body. It can also block the airway even more.

Even though some of these symptoms may be signs of other problems, such as strep throat, you should contact your doctor so they can make the final determination.

Diagnosing a peritonsillar abscess:

Treating a peritonsillar abscess:

Complications of peritonsillar abscesses?