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OVERVIEW

What is a peritonsillar abscess?

A peritonsillar abscess is a collection of pus near one of your tonsils. The tonsils are the oval-shaped areas of pink tissue on each side at the back of your throat.

SYMPTOMS

What are the symptoms of a peritonsillar abscess?

The symptoms of a peritonsillar abscess include:

• Severe sore throat that is worse on one side
• Fever and chills
• Swollen lymph glands
• Trouble swallowing
• Pain when you speak

Contact your health care provider right away if you have trouble breathing, swallowing, talking, or if you start to drool. These are symptoms of a more serious abscess and need immediate medical attention.

CAUSES & RISK FACTORS

What causes a peritonsillar abscess?

Peritonsillar abscesses are caused by an infection. Most are a complication of tonsillitis (an infection of the tonsils). But they can also be caused by mononucleosis (also called mono), or tooth and gum infections. People who smoke are more likely to get a peritonsillar abscess.

DIAGNOSIS

Your healthcare provider will ask you questions about your symptoms and examine the back of your throat. They will look for swelling on one side and on the roof of your mouth. The uvula (which hangs at the back of your throat) may appear to be pushed to one side because of the swelling. Your neck and throat may be red and swollen on one or both sides. Your doctor may swab the back of your throat to collect a bacteria sample.

PREVENTION

Can a peritonsillar abscess be prevented or avoided?

Quickly treating tonsillitis can reduce the chances of getting peritonsillar abscesses.

TREATMENT

How is it treated?

Your health care provider will need to remove the pus from the abscess. Your health care provider will numb the skin around the abscess. They will either take the pus out with a needle or make a small cut in the abscess so the pus can drain out. Surgery to remove your tonsils (called a tonsillectomy) is also an option. You will probably only need surgery if you have had many tonsil infections or abscesses before.

Your pain and symptoms should get better after the pus is drained. Your health care provider will likely prescribe antibiotics to make sure the infection goes away completely. They may also give you medicine to help relieve the pain.

Living with a peritonsillar abscess

The worst is over once a peritonsillar abscess is treated. If left untreated, you will be uncomfortable from the symptoms listed above. Over-the-counter pain relievers may help ease the discomfort.