Peritonsillar Abscess
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GENERAL INFORMATION:
What is a peritonsillar abscess? 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. The peritonsillar 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 usually follows tonsillitis (swollen tonsils), and most commonly affects adolescents and young adults.
What causes a peritonsillar abscess? PTA often results from an infection of your tonsils that spreads to the tissues around it. It is usually caused by bacteria (germs), particularly the group A beta-hemolytic Streptococcus bacteria. PTA may also follow 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 higher risk of having PTA.
What are the signs and symptoms of a peritonsillar abscess? You may have any of the following:
- Sore throat, often severe.
- Drooling and bad breath, . The voice may sound as if the person is speaking with a hot potato inside his mouth. This is also called a hot potato voice.
- Enlarged lymph nodes in the neck.
- Fever.
- Loss of appetite or not wanting to eat or drink.
- Red and swollen tonsil, which may also include the area around it. The uvula (small, fleshy tissue hanging from the back of the mouth) may point to one side.
- Trouble or pain with opening or closing the mouth, swallowing, and moving the neck.
How is a peritonsillar abscess diagnosed? Your caregiver will closely look at all areas of your mouth and the area around it. This includes the roof and corners of the mouth, and the back of the throat. He will check to see if there is any redness, swelling, if anything is enlarged, or has pus. You may also have any of the following:
- 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.
- 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: This is a test that uses sound waves to look inside of your mouth and throat area. Pictures are shown on a TV-like screen. Your caregiver may do an ultrasound to better see your throat and neck area, and to look for pus. This test may also help your caregiver find out how deep or big the abscess is.
How is a peritonsillar abscess treated?
- Medicines:
- Antibiotics: Antibiotics may be given to help treat or prevent an infection caused by germs called bacteria.
- Other medicines: Some medicines may be given to relieve your signs and symptoms. This may include medicines for pain and fever.
- Antibiotics: Antibiotics may be given to help treat or prevent an infection caused by germs called bacteria.
- Procedures:
- 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. Your caregiver may drain the abscess before or during this surgery.
- Incision and drainage: Your caregiver may drain the pus that has collected by making an incision (cut) in the infected area.
Where can I find more information? Having a peritonsillar abscess may be hard. Contact the following for more information:
- American Academy of Family Physicians
PO Box 11210
Shawnee Mission, KS 66207-1210
Phone: 1-913-906-6000
Web Address: http://www.aafp.org
CARE AGREEMENT:
You have the right to help plan your care. To help with this plan, you must learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. You can then discuss treatment options with your caregivers. Work with them to decide what care may be used to treat you. You always have the right to refuse treatment.
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