Home

helps physicians and healthcare professionals

Erectile Dysfunction

helps physicians and healthcare professionals

Doctor123.org

helps physicians and healthcare professionals

Peritonsillar Abscess, Adult


About this topic


This is pus that forms in the back of your throat, in the area around the tonsils. It most often happens after another infection in the throat. It is more common in young adults. It can also happen in younger children. ‚  

What are the causes?


This illness is caused by germs. You may get germs in your throat or tonsils from a recent infection. You may also get them if you have had a tooth or gum infection. Smoking makes this more likely to happen. ‚  

What are the main signs?


  • Very bad sore throat, especially on one side
  • Problems or pain when opening the mouth. Pain in the roof of the mouth.
  • Problems swallowing. This may be because of swelling or soreness of the tonsils.
  • Drooling or not able to swallow spit (saliva)
  • Fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) and chills
  • Bad breath
  • Shaking or twitching of the jaw muscle
  • Muffled voice

How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?


Your doctor will do an exam. The doctor will look at your mouth, throat, and tonsils. The doctor may order: ‚  
  • Blood tests
  • Throat swab
  • CT scan
  • Ultrasound
  • A sample of pus from the abscess

How does the doctor treat this health problem?


Your doctor may order drugs to treat the infection. ‚  
In some cases, surgery may be needed including: ‚  
  • Making a small cut to drain the pus from the abscess. This is an incision and drainage.
  • Removing your tonsils. This is a tonsillectomy.

What lifestyle changes are needed?


  • A liquid or soft diet may be helpful for a few days while there is pain when swallowing.
  • Avoid smoking.

What drugs may be needed?


The doctor may order drugs to: ‚  
  • Help with pain and swelling
  • Fight an infection

What problems could happen?


If not treated right away this problem may lead to: ‚  
  • Trouble breathing
  • Swelling of the jaw, neck, or chest
  • Infection and fluid around the lungs

What can be done to prevent this health problem?


  • Fast treatment of throat infections may help to stop the abscess from starting.
  • Keep your mouth clean. Brush and floss your teeth at least 2 times each day.
  • Stay away from people who have infections.

Where can I learn more?


FamilyDoctor.org ‚  
http://familydoctor.org/familydoctor/en/diseases-conditions/peritonsillar-abscess.html ‚  
NHS Choices ‚  
http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Quinsy/Pages/Introduction.aspx ‚  

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer


This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚  

Copyright


Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚  
Copyright © 2016 - 2017
Doctor123.org | Disclaimer