A peritonsillar abscess presents itself as severe pain, usually on one side of the face, radiating into the ear, accompanied by trismus. In the case of an abscess, you must immediately go to the ENT, because an untreated peritonsillar abscess can lead to meningitis or inflammation of the brain, which is life-threatening.
Peritonsillar abscessis the most common complication of streptococcal angina, although it can also occur in the course of acute tonsillitis caused by other bacteria (e.g. bacteria from the staphylococcal family,fusobacterium ,bacterioides ). It also happens that a peritonsillar abscess appears without visible symptoms of a previous infection, and then the salivary glands located in this area are usually suspected of spreading the infection. Risk factors include gum and periodontal disease, cigarette smoking, and chronic tonsillitis.
Peritonsillar abscess: symptoms
Symptoms of peritonsillar abscess are very similar to symptoms of angina - the first symptom is a worsening sore throat. Characteristic of an abscess is ulceration, which in most cases can be easily seen on the loose and reddened mucosa in the area of the tonsils. In addition, a peritonsillar abscess produces the following symptoms:
- increasing sore throat (usually one-sided - bilateral abscesses are very rare)
- redness of the throat due to congestion of the mucous membranes
- asymmetrical swelling of the throat and uvula
- swallowing disorders (dysphagia)
- fever
- earache (otalgia)
- headache
- enlargement of the lymph nodes in the neck (usually one-sided)
- szczękościsk
- drooling
- bad breath (halitosis)
- throat speech
- feeling broken and tired
Peritonsillar abscess - diagnosis
A peritonsillar abscess is diagnosed in a clinical examination. To properly select the antibiotic, a puncture can be performed and the secretion collected for culture. In special cases, it is also possible to perform computed tomography and ultrasound of the neck.
Peritonsillar abscess: treatment
The peritonsillar abscess is usually located between the tonsil capsule and the muscle fasciathe side of the throat, so it can be easily punctured and incised; It happens, however, when the position of the peritonsillar abscess prevents its free incision or puncture, that it is necessary to remove the palatine tonsils (tonsillectomy).
After the peritonsillar abscess has healed, it is necessary to remove the tonsil (tonsilectomy).
The surgical procedure involving puncture, incision and drainage of the abscess is performed under local anesthesia, although in the case of a child, the doctor may decide to perform it under short general anesthesia. After administering anesthesia, the doctor pricks the suspicious place with a needle - if there is purulent content in the syringe, it means that the abscess has been correctly located. The collected material can be used for inoculation, thanks to which it will be possible to determine which microorganism is responsible for the abscess formation.
The next step is to incision the abscess with a scalpel - be prepared for the pus to come out quite rapidly down the throat, which is unpleasant, but the feeling of immediate relief that arises at this point more than makes up for it. The patient must visit the doctor for the next few days to check that the cut hole does not become too narrow - usually the doctor widens it slightly each time under anesthesia.
After incision of the abscess, antibiotic therapy is required. The doctor, especially when the patient has problems with swallowing, may order the administration of antibiotics (penicillin) in the form of an injection (especially in the case of difficulties with swallowing), in the case of oral antibiotics usually amoxicillin with clavulonic acid or clindamycin.
Peritonsillar abscess: complications
Complications of a peritonsillar abscess are very rare these days, but potentially extremely dangerous. We include:
- airway blockage
- difficulty breathing
- bacterial infections of the neck, jaw or chest tissues (e.g. endocarditis)
- pneumonia
- sepsę
How to reduce pain and speed up wound healing after an abscess puncture and incision?
- don't drink alcohol
- do not smoke
- apply cold compresses to the neck
- do not eat hot and spicy foods or hard foods
- gargle with chamomile and sage infusions
Angina
Angina is a disease that cannot be underestimated in any way. What are its symptoms? Does a severe sore throat always mean strep throat? How is this disease treated? Our expert will dispel all doubts about angina.