Peritonsillar abscess

Injury	Disease	Nutrition	Poison

Symptoms	Surgery	Test	Special Topic

Lymphatic system

Peritonsillar abscess

Definition:

Peritonsillar abscess is a collection of infected material in the area around the tonsils. See also retropharyngeal abscess.

Alternative Names:

Quinsy; Abscess - peritonsillar

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Peritonsillar abscess is a complication of tonsillitis. Group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus is usually the cause of peritonsillar abscesses. One or both tonsils becomes infected and pus forms and may spread from the tonsil to the tissues around it. The infection may spread over the roof of the mouth (palate), and to the neck and chest, including the lungs. Swollen tissues may obstruct the airway, which would be a life-threatening medical emergency.

Peritonsillar abscess is generally a disease of older children, adolescents, and young adults. It has become relatively uncommon since the use of antibiotics to treat tonsillitis.

Review Date: 4/11/2005
Reviewed By: Kevin Fung, MD, FRCS(C), Department of Otolaryngology, Division of Head and Neck Oncology and Reconstructive Surgery, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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