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 care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Keep your mouth clean. Brush and floss your teeth at least 2 times each day.
- See your dentist for regular check-ups.
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain and swelling
- Fight an infection
Will physical activity be limited?
Talk to your doctor about the right amount of activity for you. ‚
What changes to diet are needed?
A liquid or soft diet may be helpful for a few days while there is pain when swallowing. ‚
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.
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Signs of infection. These include a fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher; chills; very bad sore throat; pain, swelling or redness in your throat; cough with mucous or changes in the color of mucous, and mouth sores.
- Trouble breathing; trouble swallowing food, drink, or saliva; chest pain; neck swelling or stiffness.
- Health problem is not better or you are feeling worse
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my condition.
- I can tell you what changes I need to make with my diet or drugs.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have trouble breathing or swallowing or chest pain.
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. ‚