Peritonsillar abscess: epidemiology and relationship with climate variations

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Infectious Diseases
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Peritonsillar abscess (PTA) is a frequent deep head and neck infection in young adults.
• While often seen as a complication of acute tonsillitis, alternative etiological mechanisms are debated.
• The influence of seasonality on PTA incidence lacks established consensus.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the epidemiology of peritonsillar abscess.
• To explore the potential relationship between PTA occurrence and seasonal variations.

Main Methods:

• An observational, descriptive, and retrospective study design was employed.
• Data were collected from patients presenting to a tertiary hospital's emergency otolaryngology service.
• The study analyzed 528 cases of peritonsillar abscess.

Main Results:

• A moderate positive correlation was observed between PTA incidence and average monthly temperatures.
• No significant associations were found between PTA incidence and insolation, precipitation, or humidity.
• The average age of affected patients was 26.63 years, with 42.61% being male.

Conclusions:

• Peritonsillar abscess (PTA) demonstrates a higher likelihood of occurrence during warmer periods.
• These findings support theories suggesting PTA is not solely a direct sequela of acute tonsillitis.
• The study contributes to a better understanding of the etiological factors influencing peritonsillar abscess.