Peritonsillar Abscess

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

• A peritonsillar (per-ee-TON-si-ler) abscess (AB-sess), also called PTA, is a collection of pus (yellowish infected fluid) in the peritonsillar space. This space is the area between your tonsil and the back wall of your throat. It is near the opening of the tubes leading to your stomach and lungs. PTA is often caused by bacteria (germs), which lead to an infection of your tonsils. It may also happen following any oral (mouth) infection, including an infection of the teeth and salivary glands. The salivary glands are the organs in the mouth that make saliva. Smoking and poor oral hygiene may put you at a higher risk of having PTA.
  
  
• Common signs and symptoms include a very sore throat, drooling, bad breath, and a hot-potato voice. Your tonsil may be red, swollen, and enlarged, and the uvula may move to one side. You may have trouble or pain when opening or closing your mouth, swallowing, or moving your neck. You may also have fever, enlarged neck lymph nodes, and loss of appetite. Your caregiver will do a physical exam and other tests to diagnose PTA. Tests may include needle aspiration, computerized tomography (CT) scan, or ultrasound. Treatment includes use of antibiotic medicine and removing the pus. With treatment, such as medicine and aspiration of pus, PTA may be cured and more serious problems may be prevented.

CARE AGREEMENT:

You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your caregivers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment.

RISKS:

Treatment for PTA may cause unpleasant effects. Medicines may cause itching, nausea, vomiting, or seizures (convulsions). Sometimes, pus may need to be drained more than once. If left untreated, your problems could get worse and may be life-threatening. You may have trouble swallowing or be unable to eat and drink. Your airway may become blocked and cause breathing problems. The abscess may burst and the infection may spread to the rest of the body. Ask your caregiver if you are worried or have questions about your PTA, care, or treatment.

WHILE YOU ARE HERE:

Informed consent:

A consent form is a legal document that explains the tests, treatments, or procedures that you may need. Informed consent means you understand what will be done and can make decisions about what you want. You give your permission when you sign the consent form. You can have someone sign this form for you if you are not able to sign it. You have the right to understand your medical care in words you know. Before you sign the consent form, understand the risks and benefits of what will be done. Make sure all your questions are answered.

IV:

An IV (intravenous) is a small tube placed in your vein that is used to give you medicine or liquids.

Medicines:

You may be given the following medicines:

• Antibiotics: This medicine is given to help treat or prevent an infection caused by bacteria.
  
  
• Antipyretics: This medicine is given to decrease a fever.
  
  
• Pain medicine: Caregivers may give you medicine to take away or decrease your pain.
  
  
  • Do not wait until the pain is severe to ask for your medicine. Tell caregivers if your pain does not decrease. The medicine may not work as well at controlling your pain if you wait too long to take it.
    
    
  • Pain medicine can make you dizzy or sleepy. Prevent falls by calling a caregiver when you want to get out of bed or if you need help.

Tests:

You may need any of the following tests:

• Aspiration: Caregivers may do this test to check if there is pus under the inflamed area. A needle may be used to suck the fluid out of the abscess. If pus is present, it is removed and sent to the lab for tests.
  
  
• Blood tests: You may need blood taken to give caregivers information about how your body is working. The blood may be taken from your hand, arm, or IV.
  
  
• Computerized tomography scan: This is also called a CT scan. A special x-ray machine uses a computer to take pictures of your head and neck. You may be given dye through an IV before the pictures are taken. The dye may help your caregiver see the pictures better. People who are allergic to iodine or shellfish (lobster, crab, or shrimp) may be allergic to some dyes. Tell your caregiver if you are allergic to shellfish or have other allergies or health problems.
  
  
• Ultrasound: An ultrasound is a simple test that looks inside of your body. Sound waves are used to show pictures of your organs and tissues on a TV-like screen.

Treatment options:

• Incision and drainage: Your caregiver may drain the pus that has collected by making an incision (cut) in the infected area.
  
  
• Needle aspiration: This is done to suck the fluid out of the abscess. Using an ultrasound to guide him, your caregiver will put a needle into the abscess and drain the fluid.
  
  
• Tonsillectomy: This is surgery to remove your tonsils. This may be done if other forms of treatment have failed. You may also need this surgery if you keep having PTA or if your tonsils get infected often.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Learn more about Peritonsillar Abscess (Inpatient Care)