Peritonsillar Abscess
Epidemiology
- Deep Neck Infection (see Deep Neck Infection)
- Peritonsillar space can be involved by extension from a tonsillar abscess
- Peritonsillar abscesses (due to tonsillar infections) represent the most common type of deep neck space abscess
Anatomy
- Location: located lateral to tonsils
- Patients who have had their tonsils removed effectvely lose this space, but they can still develop a peritonsillar abscess
- Anatomic Commnuication
- Exit: abscess mat spread from peritonsillar space to the parapharyngeal space
Clinical Presentations
- Trismus
- Pain
- Odynophagia
- Drooling
- “Hot Potato” Voice
- Fever
- Uvular Deviation
- Palatal Asymmetry
- Medial Displacement of Tonsil
- Tonsillar Erythema/Exudates: however, these may be mild, even in the presence of a peritonsillar abscess
- Acute Upper Airway Obstruction (see Obstructive Lung Disease)
- Symptoms may progress rapidly: stridor, dyspnea
- Acute Respiratory Failure (see Acute Hypoventilation): due to high-grade upper airway obstruction with excessive work of breathing
Treatment
References