About this topic
Tonsils are glands that can be found at the back of your childs throat. They help filter germs that enter the nose and mouth. When they are infected, the tonsils swell and your child has tonsillitis. When tonsillitis is not treated right away, it may cause a more serious condition called a peritonsillar abscess. This is also known as PTA. It is a collection of pus that forms in the area around the tonsils. ‚
What are the causes?
This illness is caused by germs. Your child may get germs in the throat or tonsils from a recent infection. Your child may also get them if they 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?
The doctor will do an exam. The doctor will look at your childs 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. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain and swelling
- Fight an infection
- Lower fever
What problems could happen?
- Trouble breathing
- Pain gets worse
- Trouble swallowing
- Swelling of the jaw, neck, or chest
- Infection and fluid around the lungs
- Too much fluid loss
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Treat sore throats and tonsillitis right away.
- Teach your child to wash hands often. Be sure to wash after blowing the nose or taking care of others with a sore throat.
- Do not let your child share utensils and drinking glasses with someone who has a sore throat. Wash these objects with hot, soapy water.
- Do not let your child share foods or drinks with others while they are sick.
- Teach your child to throw away used tissues right away, then wash the hands.
- Get your child a new toothbrush after signs are gone or your child is done with the antibiotics.
- If your child is a toddler and puts toys in the mouth, clean the toys using soap and water.
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. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚