Treatment:

If bacteria is causing the infection, you will be given antibiotics. Painkillers may be prescribed, if needed.

The abscess will need to be drained. This requires surgery. Surgery to remove the tonsils (tonsillectomy) may be done.

Expectations (prognosis):

Peritonsillar abscess usually goes away with treatment, although the infection may return in the future.

Complications:

• Airway obstruction
• Cellulitis of the jaw, neck, or chest
• Endocarditis (rare)
• Fluid around the lungs (pleural effusion)
• Inflammation around the heart (pericarditis)
• Pneumonia

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if you have had tonsillitis and you develop symptoms of peritonsillar abscess.

Call your health care provider if you have:

• Cough
• Difficulty breathing
• Pain in the chest
• Persistent fever
• Symptoms that get worse