A peritonsillar abscess is a bacterial infection that causes the appearance of pus around the tonsils or tonsils. This condition generally occurs due to complications from tonsillitis or tonsillitis that are not treated properly. Come on, see the causes, symptoms, and how to treat the following peritonsillar abscess!
Peritonsillar abscesses are most common in children, adolescents, and young adults. This condition can cause pain, swelling, and a blockage in the throat. When the throat is blocked, swallowing, speaking, and even breathing will be painful and difficult.
Recognize the Various Causes of Peritonsillar Abscess
Most peritonsillar abscesses are caused by the same bacteria that cause strep throat. Streptococci are the bacteria that most commonly cause infections of the soft tissues around the tonsils and can spread from the infected tonsils to various other tissues or organs of the body.
There are several factors that can increase the risk of peritonsillar abscess, including:
- Infections of the gums, such as periodontitis and gingivitis
- Chronic tonsillitis (tonsillitis)
- Infectious mononucleosis
- Smoking habit
- Chronic lymphocytic leukemia
- Stones or calcium deposits in the tonsils (tonsilloliths)
Symptoms of a peritonsillar abscess that you need to watch out for
- Fever and chills
- Severe sore throat on one side
- Ear pain on the same side as the abscess
- Headache.
- Difficulty swallowing and pain when opening the mouth
- Swelling of the face and neck, usually on the infected side
- A lump appears in the neck due to swollen lymph nodes and is painful to the touch
- Hoarse voice
- Spasm of the jaw muscles (trismus) and neck (torticollis)
- The uvula (small tissue that hangs in the middle of the throat) shifts to the healthy side
Peritonsillar abscess can affect one or both tonsils. This infection generally often spreads to the area behind the tonsils, then spreads to the neck and chest. If the swollen tissue blocks the airways, it can create a medical emergency that can be life-threatening.
Peritonsillar abscesses can also rupture in the throat and the pus that is the contents of the abscess can enter the lungs and cause pneumonia.
What is the procedure for handling peritonsillar abscess?
Peritonsillar abscesses need to be treated immediately by a doctor. The doctor will carry out a series of examinations before taking treatment. These checks may include:
- Physical examination, such as mouth, throat, and neck
- Blood test
- Investigations using a CT scan or ultrasound
CT scans or ultrasounds are rarely performed, however, they can be performed if necessary. After the results of the examination are obtained, the doctor will determine the type of treatment which includes:
Medical treatment
Peritonsillar abscesses are generally treated by removing the pus through a needle suction procedure (aspiration) or making a small incision in the abscess with a scalpel, allowing the pus to drain out.
If this method is not sufficient to overcome the peritonsillar abscess, the patient's tonsils must be removed by a tonsillectomy procedure. Tonsillectomy is applicable to patients who often suffer from tonsillitis or have had peritonsillar abscesses before.
Drug Administration
Because of the pain and difficulty swallowing, the patient will be given fluids and nutrients through an IV. The doctor will also give painkillers and antibiotics to treat bacterial infections that occur. You are required to spend antibiotics according to the dose recommended by the doctor. Because if it is not consumed until it runs out, it is feared that the infection could reappear and cause bacterial resistance.
Maintaining oral hygiene and not smoking is the best way to prevent peritonsillar abscesses. If you experience symptoms of a peritonsillar abscess, immediately consult a doctor for intensive and appropriate treatment, so as to avoid dangerous complications.
