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Peritonsillar abscess

Alternative Names:

Quinsy; Abscess - peritonsillar

Treatment:

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

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

Expectations (prognosis):

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

Complications:

Cellulitis of the jaw, neck, or chest
Pneumonia
Pericarditis (inflammation around the heart)
Pleural effusion (fluid around the lungs)
Endocarditis (rare)
Airway obstruction

Calling your health care provider:

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

Call your health care provider if symptoms of complications develop, including worsening of symptoms, persistent fever, cough, difficulty breathing, or pain in the chest.

Lymphatic system

Throat anatomy

Review Date: 2/12/2007
Reviewed By: Alden J. Pearl, M.D., Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Otolaryngology, State University of New York Health Science Center at Brooklyn, Brooklyn, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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