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Peritonsillar abscess: diagnosis and treatment
1Department of Family Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, USA. steyerte@musc.edu
American Family Physician
|January 24, 2002
Summary
Peritonsillar abscess, a common head and neck infection, is diagnosed and treated with needle aspiration. Prompt antibiotic therapy is crucial following aspiration to manage this bacterial infection.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Peritonsillar abscess is the most frequent deep head and neck infection in adults.
- It is typically caused by a mix of aerobic and anaerobic bacteria.
- Common symptoms include fever, throat pain, and trismus.
Purpose of the Study:
- To outline the diagnostic and treatment modalities for peritonsillar abscess.
- To emphasize the importance of timely intervention and appropriate antibiotic selection.
Main Methods:
- Diagnosis is aided by imaging techniques like ultrasonography and computed tomographic scanning.
- Needle aspiration is the gold standard for both diagnosis and initial treatment.
- Appropriate antibiotic therapy is initiated post-aspiration.
Main Results:
- Needle aspiration effectively diagnoses and treats peritonsillar abscess.
- Antibiotic therapy, including penicillin, clindamycin, cephalosporins, or metronidazole, is essential post-aspiration.
- Advanced cases may necessitate incision and drainage or tonsillectomy.
Conclusions:
- Peritonsillar abscess requires prompt diagnosis and management.
- Needle aspiration followed by targeted antibiotic therapy is the cornerstone of treatment.
- Surgical intervention may be required for severe or advanced cases.