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Peritonsillar abscess - Symptom

Alternative Names

Quinsy; Abscess - peritonsillar

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

Lymphatic system

Throat anatomy

Reviewed last on: 10/10/2008
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.

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