Clinical Differentiation of Peritonsillar Abscess from Cellulitis

Peritonsillar Abscess

Objective. To review the literature concerning the 2 primary hypotheses put forth to explain the pathogenesis of peritonsillar abscess: ‘‘the acute tonsillitis hypothesis’’ (peritonsillar abscess is a complication of acute tonsillitis) and ‘‘the Weber gland hypothesis’’ (peritonsillar abscess is an infection of Weber’s glands). Data Sources. PubMed, EMBASE. Review Methods. Data supporting or ne...

Peritonsillar Abscess.

Peritonsillar abscess is the most common deep infection of the head and neck, occurring primarily in young adults. Diagnosis is usually made on the basis of clinical presentation and examination. Symptoms and findings generally include fever, sore throat, dysphagia, trismus, and a "hot potato" voice. Drainage of the abscess, antibiotic therapy, and supportive therapy for maintaining hydration a...

Treatment of Peritonsillar Abscess

Bilateral peritonsillar abscess revisited.

Bilateral peritonsillar abscess is uncommon. When it does occur; patients usually present with sore throat; other clinical signs and symptoms may differ from those usually associated with unilateral peritonsillar abscess. We describe 2 cases of bilateral peritonsillar abscess that were successfully treated with needle aspiration of both sides with a 14-gauge intravenous cannula. Needle aspirati...

Changing Trends of Peritonsillar Abscess.

Objective To assess changes in the characteristics of peritonsillar abscess (PTA). Methods A retrospective cohort study. Data obtained from medical records of patients diagnosed as having a peritonsillar abscess that were treated in a secondary urban medical center over a ten-year period (1998-2007). Results 427 patients, within ages of 3 to 91 years (average 31.6, SD 15.2, median 30) were enro...