Peritonsillar abscess

Peritonsillar abscess, an abscess localised around the palatine tonsil, is a potentially severe complication of bacterial tonsillitis. It's a rare condition, most commonly affecting people 20 - 40 years. Unlike the original bacterial tonsillitis is peritonsillar abscess usually a polymicrobial infection with anaerobes.

Clinical features

Clinical features include those of tonsillitis but also throat pain on the affected side, globus sensation in the neck, voice changes, and a visible swelling around the tonsil which pushes the tonsil medially. Eventually, trismus develops. The person is usually more ill than with a simple tonsillitis. Because swallowing becomes more and more difficult, drooling occurs.

Diagnosis and evaluation

The diagnosis can often be made clinically, but imaging may be used to visualise the extent if necessary.

Management

Treatment is by aspiration/incision and drainage of the contents, plus antibiotic therapy. With proper therapy, the prognosis is good.‎