Peritonsillar abscess

Uncommon card · No. 114054

A peritonsillar abscess (PTA), also known as a quinsy, is an accumulation of pus due to an infection behind the tonsil. Symptoms include fever, throat pain, trouble opening the mouth, and a change to the voice. Pain is usually worse on one side. Complications may include blockage of the airway or aspiration pneumonitis. PTA is typically due to infection by several types of bacteria. Often, it follows streptococcal pharyngitis. They do not typically occur in those who have had a tonsillectomy. Diagnosis is usually based on the symptoms. Medical imaging may be done to rule out complications. Treatment is by removing the pus, antibiotics, sufficient fluids, and pain medication. Steroids may also be useful. Hospital admission is generally not needed. In the United States, about 3 per 10,000 people per year are affected. Young adults are most commonly affected.

Read on Wikipedia · Image James Heilman,MD, CC BY-SA 3.0