Peritonsillar abscess

A peritonsillar abscess (PTA), also known as a quinsy, is an accumulation of <a href="/facts/Pus/jzNHzM70">pus</a> due to an <a href="/facts/Infection/182XrncP">infection</a> behind the <a href="/facts/Tonsil/hvvkLnCA">tonsil</a>. Symptoms include <a href="/facts/Fever/waVxR2Ac">fever</a>, throat pain, <a href="/facts/Trismus/sgArQFpv">trouble opening the mouth</a>, and a change to the voice. Pain is usually worse on one side. Complications may include blockage of the airway or <a href="/facts/Aspiration_pneumonitis/c92nqX66">aspiration pneumonitis</a>.
PTA is typically due to infection by a number of types of <a href="/facts/Bacteria/wC8xSCsU">bacteria</a>. Often it follows <a href="/facts/Streptococcal_pharyngitis/bp4ATM2j">streptococcal pharyngitis</a>. They do not typically occur in those who have had a <a href="/facts/Tonsillectomy/EmYjyIuI">tonsillectomy</a>. Diagnosis is usually based on the symptoms. <a href="/facts/Medical_imaging/pL6JyJEp">Medical imaging</a> may be done to rule out complications.
Treatment is by removing the pus, <a href="/facts/Antibiotics/sF1kIfxg">antibiotics</a>, sufficient fluids, and <a href="/facts/Pain_medication/xLj4XBcq">pain medication</a>. <a href="/facts/Corticosteroids/jeL2QeIL">Steroids</a> may also be useful. Admission to hospital is generally not needed. In the United States about 3 per 10,000 people per year are affected. Young adults are most commonly affected.

Peritonsillar abscess open-in-new

Peritonsillar abscess