Essay On Peritonsillar Abscess
Peritonsillar Abscess
A peritonsillar abscess is a collection of pus in the back of the throat behind the tonsils. It usually occurs when an infection of the throat or tonsils (tonsillitis) spreads into the space around the tonsils.
CAUSES
The infection that leads to a peritonsillar abscess is usually caused by streptococcal bacteria.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
• Sore throat, often with pain on just one side.
• Swelling and tenderness of the glands (lymph nodes) in the neck.
• Difficulty swallowing.
• Difficulty opening your mouth.
• Fever.
• Chills.
• Drooling because of difficulty swallowing saliva.
• Headache.
• Voice changes.
DIAGNOSIS
Your health care provider will take your medical history and do a physical exam. Imaging tests may be done, such as an ultrasound or CT scan. A sample of pus may be removed from the abscess using a needle (needle aspiration). This sample will be sent to a lab for testing.
TREATMENT …show more content…
This may be done through needle aspiration or by making an incision in the abscess. You will also likely need to take antibiotic medicine.
HOME CARE INSTRUCTIONS
• Rest as much as possible and get plenty of sleep.
• Take medicines only as directed by your health care provider.
• If you were prescribed an antibiotic medicine, finish it all even if you start to feel better.
• If your abscess was drained by your health care provider, gargle with a mixture of salt and warm water four times per day or as needed for comfort. Do not swallow this mixture. Mix 1 tsp of salt in 8 oz of warm water for gargling.
• Apply ice to your neck as directed:
○ Put ice in a plastic bag.
○ Place a towel between your skin and the bag.
○ Leave the ice on for 20 minutes, 2–3 times a day.
• Drink plenty of fluids. While your throat is sore, eat soft foods or liquids, such as frozen ice pops and ice cream.
SEEK MEDICAL CARE
A peritonsillar abscess is a collection of pus in the back of the throat behind the tonsils. It usually occurs when an infection of the throat or tonsils (tonsillitis) spreads into the space around the tonsils.
CAUSES
The infection that leads to a peritonsillar abscess is usually caused by streptococcal bacteria.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
• Sore throat, often with pain on just one side.
• Swelling and tenderness of the glands (lymph nodes) in the neck.
• Difficulty swallowing.
• Difficulty opening your mouth.
• Fever.
• Chills.
• Drooling because of difficulty swallowing saliva.
• Headache.
• Voice changes.
DIAGNOSIS
Your health care provider will take your medical history and do a physical exam. Imaging tests may be done, such as an ultrasound or CT scan. A sample of pus may be removed from the abscess using a needle (needle aspiration). This sample will be sent to a lab for testing.
TREATMENT …show more content…
This may be done through needle aspiration or by making an incision in the abscess. You will also likely need to take antibiotic medicine.
HOME CARE INSTRUCTIONS
• Rest as much as possible and get plenty of sleep.
• Take medicines only as directed by your health care provider.
• If you were prescribed an antibiotic medicine, finish it all even if you start to feel better.
• If your abscess was drained by your health care provider, gargle with a mixture of salt and warm water four times per day or as needed for comfort. Do not swallow this mixture. Mix 1 tsp of salt in 8 oz of warm water for gargling.
• Apply ice to your neck as directed:
○ Put ice in a plastic bag.
○ Place a towel between your skin and the bag.
○ Leave the ice on for 20 minutes, 2–3 times a day.
• Drink plenty of fluids. While your throat is sore, eat soft foods or liquids, such as frozen ice pops and ice cream.
SEEK MEDICAL CARE