peritonsillar Abscess

Peritonsillar Abscess


The Basics
Many children get tonsillitis (an infection of the tonsils), especially younger children. As children get older, but this
Strep throat can be accompanied by an unpleasant condition called peritonsillar abscess.

A peritonsillar abscess is a pus-filled area of ​​tissue at the back of the mouth, next to one of the tonsils. The abscess
can be very painful and make it difficult to open the mouth. It can also cause swelling of the tonsils and displace
slide it toward the uvula (the dangling fleshy object at the back of the mouth). This can block the throat, so that there
hard to swallow, speak, and sometimes even to breathe.

A peritonsillar abscess untreated can lead to a spread of the infection in the throat and chest, as well as other
serious complications.

Causes
Peritonsillar abscesses are usually caused by group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus bacteria, which can also cause strep
Throat. Some other types of bacteria are also involved.

Peritonsillar abscesses usually as a complication of tonsillitis, happens when the infection spreads from an almond in
the surrounding area. Fortunately, these types of abscesses are unusual because the doctors prescribe antibiotics to treat
Tonsillitis.

Tooth and gum disease and smoking increase the chances of a peritonsillar abscess.

Symptoms
Often the first signs of a peritonsillar abscess is a sore throat. As the abscess develops, other symptoms will occur.
Some of the most common are:

red, swollen tonsils
a tonsil that push against the uvula is
Tender, swollen glands (lymph nodes) on one side of the neck
Pain on one side of the neck
Difficulty and pain when swallowing or opening the mouth
Fever and chills
Headaches
Earache
drooling
a muffled or hoarse voice
A peritonsillar abscess that goes untreated for a long time can lead to serious complications - such as the
Infection may extend into the jaw, neck, and chest, or lead to pneumonia.

Diagnosis
Call a doctor if your child has a sore throat with fever or any other symptoms of a peritonsillar abscess.
It is rare that an abscess restrict breathing, but if it is the case, you may need to take your child to the emergency
Room immediately.

The doctor will examine your child's mouth, throat and neck. The doctor could also have a throat culture and a blood-
Test. In rare cases, the doctor can help you for a CT scan or ultrasound, to name the diagnosis.

Treatment
The usual treatment for peritonsillar abscess involves drainage of the abscess. This can be done in a doctor's office
Removing the pus with a needle (called aspiration) or make a small incision in the abscess with a scalpel so the pus can
drain.

If this does not work, could the tonsils must be removed in a tonsillectomy. This is especially true for children who have
had several recent cases of tonsillitis or peritonsillar earlier.

Depending on your child's condition and treatment, he or she may need to stay in hospital for a short time after
the procedure. The doctor will probably prescribe painkillers and antibiotics. Make sure that your child's full
Course of antibiotics, even if he or she feels better after a few days.

The earlier a case is diagnosed and treated by peritonsillar abscess, the less invasive treatment need to be, so
if you notice any symptoms, see a doctor sooner rather than later.

Lowering Risk Factors
You can help encourage children to reduce their risk of peritonsillar through them to practice good oral hygiene. And
Do not encourage your children to smoke, because - among other health risks - smoking can increase the risk of developing a
Peritonsillar abscess.