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 in children?
- If the doctor prescribed antibiotics for your child, give them as directed. Do not stop using them just because your child feels better. Your child needs to take the full course of antibiotics.
- Be safe with medicines. Give pain medicines exactly as directed.
- If the doctor gave your child a prescription medicine for pain, give it as prescribed.
- If your child is not taking a prescription pain medicine, ask your doctor if your child can take an over-the-counter medicine.
- Do not give aspirin to anyone younger than 20. It has been linked to Reye syndrome, a serious illness.
- Make sure your child gets lots of rest.
- Follow your doctor's instructions if the abscess was drained through a needle or small incision.
- While your child's throat is very sore, use liquid nourishment such as soup or high-protein drinks.
Peritonsillar abscess in children: When to call
Call 911 anytime you think your child may need emergency care. For example, call if:
- Your child has trouble breathing. Symptoms may include:
- Using the belly muscles to breathe.
- The chest sinking in or the nostrils flaring when your child struggles to breathe.
- Your child is very sleepy and you have trouble waking him or her.
- Your child passes out (loses consciousness).
- Your child has a lot of blood coming from the mouth.
Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:
- Your child has 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.
- Your child is bleeding.
- Your child has new or worse nausea or vomiting.
- Your child has new or worse trouble swallowing.
- Your child has a hard time drinking fluids.
Watch closely for changes in your child's health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:
- Your child does not get better as expected.
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