Peritonsillar abscess is a complication of tonsillitis. Sometimes when a tonsil gets severely infected, it can cause an abscess due to the collection of pus. This collection of bacteria, which grows behind the tonsils spreads to the neck and chest. It can cause difficulty swallowing, severe pain, and even difficulty breathing.
We are able to take care of these in the office, which saves our patients hours of wait time in an Emergency Room and the high costs associated with hospital visits. If you are having significant difficulty breathing, you should call 911 or go straight to an Emergency Room instead of coming to the office.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis
A diagnosis may include:
- Physical exam:
- A physician will exam to make sure there is no inflammation, dental infections, mastoid infections, trismus, salivary gland infection, and more.
- Tests:
- Aspiration:
- This medical procedure may be needed to remove tissue samples for a biopsy.
- CT scan
- Fiber optic endoscopy:
- This may be used to check if the airway is blocked.
- Aspiration:
Symptoms
Treatment
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