Definition
What is a peritonsil abscess?
Peritonsil abscess is a bacterial infection that usually begins as a complication of untreated throat or untreated tonsils. The peritonsil abscess is usually a pus-filled lump growing near your tonsils.
Peritonsil abscesses are most commonly found in children, adolescents, and young adults. Peritonsil abscesses most often appear during transition seasons, where viral and bacterial inflammation of the throat and tonsils are very attacking ranges.
People who smoke are more prone to experience this.
Signs & Symptoms
What are the signs and symptoms of a peritonsil abscess?
Symptoms of peritonsil abscess are similar to strep throat or tonsillitis. What sets it apart is the appearance of a pus-filled bump behind your throat. The lump looks like a whitish swollen swell. Other possible symptoms may include:
Inflammation of the tonsils (one or both)
- Fever or cold heat
- It's hard to open your mouth wide
- Difficult to swallow
- Drooling (hard to swallow)
- Swelling on the face or neck
- Headache
- A hoarse voice
- Sore throat (which is more severe on one side)
- Swollen glands in the throat or jaw (soft to the touch and earache on the side of the throat that is infected
- Bad breath
Peritonsil abscesses can cause more severe (but rare) or even complicated symptoms, which include:
- Pulmonary infection
- The airway is blocked
- Infection that spreads to the throat, mouth, neck, and chest
- The lump of an abscess broke
If the lump is not treated immediately, this can lead to infection throughout the body. These lumps can also further narrow airways.
There may be signs and symptoms not mentioned above. If you have concerns about a particular symptom, consult your doctor.
Cause
What causes peritonsil abscess?
Peritonsil abscesses usually appear as complications of tonsillitis. The lump of the abscess may slowly form if the inflammatory infection of the tonsils spread to the surrounding area.
However, this incidence is less frequent thanks to the use of antibiotics as the first treatment of strep throat and tonsillitis.
Mononucleosis infections may cause peritonsil abscess. So also with dental and gum infections. In rare cases, an abscess lump can grow without being preceded by any infection. Generally this is caused by the inflammation of the Weber gland, which is squeezed just below the tongue to produce saliva.
Diagnosis & Treatment
The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.
How are peritonsil abscesses diagnosed?
At first, the doctor will check your mouth and throat. The doctor may also take a sample of the throat tissue or refer you to a blood test to confirm the diagnosis. Signs of an abscess include:
- Swelling on one side of the throat
- Swelling in the sky of the mouth
- Throat and neck swell red
- The lymph glands swell
Your doctor may refer you to a CT scan to observe the deeper swelling. The doctor may also take fluid samples from the abscess using a needle, to check for infection.
How are peritonsil abscess treated?
The most common peritonsil abscess is treated with antibiotic prescription. The doctor can also deflate the lump by draining the fluid in it to speed up recovery. Typically, this procedure is performed by an ENT surgeon.
If you can not eat or drink, you may receive fluid intake. Your doctor may also prescribe pain medication if you feel very painful.
As the abscess recurs, the doctor may recommend that you remove the tonsils by surgery to avoid the risk of recurrent infections later in life.
Home Treatment
What are the lifestyle changes or home remedies that can be done to treat peritonsil abscesses?
The following lifestyle changes you can take to overcome a peritonsil abscess:
- Maintain oral hygiene with diligent toothbrush twice a day and rinse with mouthwash. Routine also checked into the dentist every 6 months.
- Quit smoking
Please discuss with your doctor for more information. If you have any questions, consult your doctor for the best solution of your problem.