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Peritonsillar abscess

Definition

Peritonsillar abscess is a collection of infected material in the area around the tonsils.

Alternative Names

Quinsy; Abscess - peritonsillar; Tonsillitis - abscess

Causes

Peritonsillar abscess is a complication of tonsillitis. It is most often caused by a type of bacteria called group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus.

Peritonsillar abscess most often occurs in older children, adolescents, and young adults. The condition is rare now that antibiotics are used to treat tonsillitis.

Symptoms

One or both tonsils become infected. The infection may spread to the area around the tonsil. It can then spread down into the neck and chest. Swollen tissues can block the airway. This is a life-threatening medical emergency.

The abscess can break open (rupture) into the throat. The contents of the abscess can travel into the lungs and cause pneumonia.

Symptoms of peritonsillar abscess include:

  • Fever and chills
  • Severe throat pain that is usually on one side
  • Ear pain on the side of the abscess
  • Difficulty opening the mouth, and pain with opening the mouth
  • Swallowing problems
  • Drooling or inability to swallow saliva
  • Facial or neck swelling
  • Fever
  • Headache
  • Muffled voice
  • Tender glands of the jaw and throat
  • Neck stiffness

Exams and Tests

An exam of the throat often shows swelling on one side and on the roof of the mouth.

The uvula in the back of the throat may be shifted away from the swelling. The neck and throat may be red and swollen on one or both sides.

The following tests may be done:

Treatment

The infection can be treated with antibiotics if it is caught early. If an abscess has developed, it will need to be drained with a needle or by cutting it open. You will be given pain medicine before this is done.

If the infection is very severe, the tonsils will be removed at the same time the abscess is drained, but this is rare. In this case, you will have general anesthesia so you will be asleep and pain-free.

Outlook (Prognosis)

In most cases, peritonsillar abscess goes away with treatment. The infection may return in the future.

Possible Complications

Complications may include:

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Contact your health care provider right away if you have had tonsillitis and you develop symptoms of peritonsillar abscess.

Contact your provider if you have:

  • Breathing problems
  • Trouble swallowing
  • Pain in the chest
  • Persistent fever
  • Symptoms that get worse

Prevention

Quick treatment of tonsillitis, especially if it is caused by bacteria, may help prevent this condition.

Gallery

Lymphatic system
The lymphatic system filters fluid from around cells. It is an important part of the immune system. When people refer to swollen glands in the neck, they are usually referring to swollen lymph nodes. Common areas where lymph nodes can be easily felt, especially if they are enlarged, are the groin, armpits (axilla), above the clavicle (supraclavicular), in the neck (cervical), and the back of the head just above hairline (occipital).
Sinuses
The sinuses are hollow cavities within the facial bones. Sinuses are not fully developed until after age 12. When people speak of sinus infections, they are most frequently referring to the maxillary and ethmoid sinuses.

References

Pappas DE, Hendley JO. Retropharyngeal abscess, lateral pharyngeal (parapharyngeal) abscess, and peritonsillar cellulitis/abscess. In: Kliegman RM, St. Geme JW, Blum NJ, Shah SS, Tasker RC, Wilson KM, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 21st ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 410.

Roginski MA, Atchinson PR. Upper respiratory tract infections. In: Walls RM, ed. Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 61.

Waage RK. Peritonsillar abscess drainage. In: Fowler GC, ed. Pfenninger and Fowler's Procedures for Primary Care. 4th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 206.

Last reviewed November 29, 2022 by Josef Shargorodsky, MD, MPH, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team..

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