Peritonsillar abscess: Overview
A peritonsillar abscess is a collection of pus that forms in tissues around one or both of the tonsils. It can occur as a result of strep throat or another infection. An abscess can cause severe pain and make it very hard to swallow.
You will need antibiotics. In some cases, your abscess will have been drained through a needle or small incision.
You may have had a sedative to help you relax. You may be unsteady after having sedation. It can take a few hours for the medicine's effects to wear off. Common side effects of sedation include nausea, vomiting, and feeling sleepy or tired.
Peritonsillar abscess
A peritonsillar abscess is a collection of pus that forms in tissues around the tonsils. Although uncommon, it can occur as a result of strep throat. The abscess can cause severe pain and an inability to swallow, and you may become very ill.
A peritonsillar abscess may be diagnosed and treated with either a needle aspiration or a small incision. A needle aspiration is a procedure that uses a needle to drain the abscess. A course of antibiotics is given after the procedure. If a needle aspiration is not used, a peritonsillar abscess may be treated with a simple procedure in which a small incision is made in the abscess to drain it, followed by a course of antibiotics.
Surgery to remove the tonsils (tonsillectomy) may be done if you are concerned that the peritonsillar abscess will recur. But tonsillectomy is not needed if you've only had one abscess. Most people who have had an abscess do not have another one.
How can you care for peritonsillar abscess?
- If the doctor gave you a sedative:
- For 24 hours, don't do anything that requires attention to detail. This includes going to work, making important decisions, or signing any legal documents. It takes time for the medicine's effects to completely wear off.
- For your safety, do not drive or operate any machinery that could be dangerous. Wait until the medicine wears off and you can think clearly and react easily.
- Take your antibiotics as directed. Do not stop taking them just because you feel better. You need to take the full course of antibiotics.
- Take pain medicines exactly as directed.
- If the doctor gave you a prescription medicine for pain, take it as prescribed.
- If you are not taking a prescription pain medicine, ask your doctor if you can take an over-the-counter medicine, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), or naproxen (Aleve). Read and follow all instructions on the label.
- Do not take two or more pain medicines at the same time unless the doctor told you to. Many pain medicines have acetaminophen, which is Tylenol. Too much acetaminophen (Tylenol) can be harmful.
- Gargle with warm salt water once an hour to help reduce swelling and relieve discomfort. Use 1 teaspoon of salt mixed in 8 fluid ounces of warm water.
- Get lots of rest.
- Follow your doctor's instructions if your abscess was drained through a needle or small incision.
- While your throat is very sore, use liquid nourishment such as soup or high-protein drinks.
- Prevent spreading an infection. Wash your hands often, do not sneeze or cough on others, and do not share toothbrushes, eating utensils, or drinking glasses.
Peritonsillar abscess: When to call
Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:
- You have trouble breathing.
- You passed out (lost consciousness).
- You have a lot of blood coming from the mouth.
Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:
- You have new or worse symptoms of infection, such as:
- Increased pain, swelling, warmth, or redness.
- Red streaks coming from the area.
- Pus draining from the area.
- A fever.
- You are bleeding.
- You have new or worse nausea or vomiting.
- You have new or worse trouble swallowing.
- You have a hard time drinking fluids.
Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:
- You do not get better as expected.
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