Health Encyclopedia

Peritonsillar abscess

Definition

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

Alternative Names

Quinsy; Abscess - peritonsillar

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

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 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

One or both tonsils become infected. The infection may spread over the roof of the mouth (palate), and to the neck and chest, including the lungs. Swollen tissues may block the airway, which is a life-threatening medical emergency.

The abscess can break open (rupture) into the throat, infecting or further blocking the airway.

Symptoms of peritonsillar abscess include:

Chills
Difficulty and pain with opening the mouth
Drooling
Facial swelling
Fever
Headache
Hoarseness (occasionally)
Sore throat (may be severe)
Tender glands of the jaw and throat

Signs and tests

An examination of the throat and neck may reveal redness and swelling of one or both tonsils, the throat, neck, and chest.

The following tests may be done:

Aspiration of the abscess
CT scan

Treatment

If bacteria is causing the infection, you will be given antibiotics. Painkillers may be prescribed, if needed.

The abscess will need to be drained. This requires surgery. Surgery to remove the tonsils (tonsillectomy) may be done.

Expectations (prognosis)

Peritonsillar abscess usually goes away with treatment, although the infection may return in the future.

Complications

Airway obstruction
Cellulitis of the jaw, neck, or chest
Endocarditis (rare)
Fluid around the lungs (pleural effusion)
Inflammation around the heart (pericarditis)
Pneumonia

Calling your health care provider

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

Call your health care provider if you have:

Cough
Difficulty breathing
Pain in the chest
Persistent fever
Symptoms that get worse

Prevention

Quickly and completely treating tonsillitis, especially bacterial tonsillitis, may help prevent an abscess.

Review Date:10/10/2008
Reviewed By:Alan Lipkin, MD, Otolaryngologist, Private Practice, Denver, Colorado. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997-A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

The Agency for Health Care Administration (Agency) and this website do not claim the information on, or referred to by, this site is error free. This site may include links to websites of other government agencies or private groups. Our Agency and this website do not control such sites and are not responsible for their content. Reference to or links to any other group, product, service, or information does not mean our Agency or this website approves of that group, product, service, or information.

Additionally, while health information provided through this website may be a valuable resource for the public, it is not designed to offer medical advice. Talk with your doctor about medical care questions you may have.