MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Peritonsillar abscess

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Peritonsillar abscess

Contents of this page:
Illustrations Alternative names Definition Causes, incidence, and risk factors Symptoms Signs and tests	Treatment Expectations (prognosis) Complications Calling your health care provider Prevention

Illustrations

Lymphatic system

Throat anatomy

Alternative names Return to top

Quinsy; Abscess - peritonsillar

Definition Return to top

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

Causes, incidence, and risk factors Return to top

Peritonsillar abscess is a complication of tonsillitis. Group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus is usually the cause of peritonsillar abscesses. One or both tonsils becomes infected and pus forms and may spread from the tonsil to the tissues around it. The infection may spread over the roof of the mouth (palate), and to the neck and chest, including the lungs. Swollen tissues may obstruct the airway, which would be a life-threatening medical emergency.

Peritonsillar abscess is generally a disease of older children, adolescents, and young adults. It has become relatively uncommon since the use of antibiotics to treat tonsillitis.

Symptoms Return to top

sore throat (may be severe)
tender glands of the jaw and throat
facial swelling
drooling
headache
fever
chills
difficulty and pain with opening the mouth
hoarseness (occasionally)

Signs and tests Return to top

An examination of the throat and neck may reveal redness and swelling of the tonsil(s), palate, throat, neck, and skin of the chest.

Aspiration of the abscess usually shows fluid containing pus.
Culture of the fluid may show bacteria.

Treatment Return to top

Treatment is aimed at curing the infection and relieving symptoms. Antibiotics may be given if the infection is bacterial. Surgical drainage of the abscess by aspiration or incision will be performed. Analgesics may be used, if needed, for pain. Surgery to remove the tonsils (tonsillectomy) may be considered.

Expectations (prognosis) Return to top

Peritonsillar abscess usually responds to treatment, although it may recur.

Complications Return to top

cellulitis of the jaw, neck, or chest
pneumonia
pericarditis (inflammation around the heart)
pleural effusion (fluid around the lungs)
endocarditis (rare)
airway obstruction

Calling your health care provider Return to top

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

Call your health care provider if symptoms of complications develop, including worsening of symptoms, persistent fever, cough, difficulty breathing, or pain in the chest.

Prevention Return to top

Prompt and complete treatment of tonsillitis, especially bacterial tonsillitis, may help prevent formation of abscess.

Update Date: 7/30/2003

Updated by: Jason Newman, M.D., Department of Otolaryngology, Kaiser Permanente Medical Group, Washington, DC. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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