Peritonsillar abscess: what it is, symptoms, causes and treatment

Peritonsillar abscess is a rare complication of bacterial infections, characterized by a collection of pus in the region around the tonsil and symptoms such as difficulty swallowing, fever, change in voice and headache, for example.

In most cases, peritonsillar abscess, also called peritonsillar abscess, is associated with infection by the bacteria Streptococcus pyogenes, as a consequence of tonsillitis, being more common to occur in children, adolescents or young adults.

The treatment of peritonsillar abscess is carried out by an otorhinolaryngologist who may recommend the use of antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medications, drainage of pus, and, in some cases, surgery to remove the tonsils.

Symptoms of peritonsillar abscess

The main symptoms of peritonsillar abscess are:

• Swelling of the region around the amygdala;
• Difficulty opening your mouth or swallowing;
• Intense pain in the region where the tonsils are located;
• Pain in the throat that can extend to the ear;
• Voice change;
• Fever;
• Headache;
• Ear pain, in some cases;
• Intense bad breath.

In the presence of these symptoms, it is important to consult an otorhinolaryngologist so that the peritonsillar abscess can be diagnosed and the most appropriate treatment can be initiated, in order to avoid complications, such as abscesses in the pharyngeal region or even generalized infection.

How to confirm the diagnosis

The diagnosis of peritonsillar abscess is made by the otolaryngologist by evaluating the symptoms and performing a visual examination, in which swelling of the tissues around the infected tonsil and displacement of the uvula are observed.

If you have symptoms of peritonsillar abscess, schedule an appointment with an otorhinolaryngologist in the nearest region:

In addition, the doctor may order tests such as blood count, C-reactive protein, heterophile antibody test, X-ray, computed tomography or intraoral ultrasound, to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other diseases with similar symptoms, such as infectious mononucleosis, dental infections or pharyngitis. for example.

The doctor can also take a sample of throat secretion to be evaluated in the laboratory, making it possible to identify the infectious agent responsible for this change.

Possible causes

Peritonsillar abscess is caused by bacterial infections as a consequence of tonsillitis, which corresponds to inflammation of the tonsils. This change is more common in people who have recurrent tonsillitis attacks. Find out more about tonsillitis.

The main bacteria that can lead to the emergence of peritonsillar abscess is Streptococcus pyogenesalso known as group A beta-hemolytic streptococci.

However, although it is less common, peritonsillar abscess can also be caused by microorganisms such as staphylococci, pneumococci, Lactobacillus, Actinomyces or Micrococcus.

How the treatment is carried out

The treatment of peritonsillar abscess must be carried out under the guidance of an otorhinolaryngologist and consists of draining the abscess to prevent complications, in addition to the subsequent use of antibiotics and anti-inflammatories to combat bacterial proliferation and promote relief of present symptoms.

In some cases, especially in cases of recurrent tonsillitis, after draining the abscess, the doctor may recommend surgery to remove the tonsils, called tonsillectomy, with the aim of preventing new attacks of tonsillitis and peritonsillar abscess. Understand how surgery to remove the tonsils is performed.