Peritonsillar, peripharyngeal, and deep neck abscesses

Abscesses of the peritonsillar and peripharyngeal regions typically present as a sore throat and as difficulty in swallowing. One of the most ?striking clinical features is difficulty in controlling saliva. Deep neck abscesses usually are secondary to disease in the pharynx, tonsils, or teeth. Initially, attention should be devoted to finding the primary source of infection. Treatment of these abscesses is incision and drainage.