How serious is an abscess on the tonsils?
The abscess can cause pain, swelling, and, if severe, blockage of the throat. If the throat is blocked, swallowing, speaking, and even breathing become difficult. When an infection of the tonsils (known as tonsillitis) spreads and causes infection in the soft tissues, a peritonsillar abscess may result.
Is tonsil abscess an emergency?
The infection most often spreads to around the tonsil. It can then spread down into the neck and chest. Swollen tissues can block the airway. This is a life-threatening medical emergency.
Can a throat abscess be cancer?
Peritonsillar abscess is generally seen as a complication of acute tonsillitis in young subjects. It may, however, in rare cases reveal a malignant pharyngeal tumor. We report a rare case of undifferentiated carcinoma revealed by a peritonsillar abscess in a child.
Will a tonsil abscess go away?
If you received treatment, a peritonsillar abscess normally goes away without causing more problems. However, you could get the infection again in the future. If it isn’t treated quickly, you may experience complications from a peritonsillar abscess.
What can tonsilitis be mistaken for?
Tonsillitis and strep throat are similar illnesses that affect the inside of the throat and surrounding tissue. They also share many of the same symptoms, including sore throat, headache, fatigue, and fever. Because tonsillitis and strep throat are so similar, it can be difficult to tell them apart.
Can I wipe the pus off my tonsils?
The pus that appears in the throat should not be removed with your finger or swab as it will continue to form until the inflammation improves, and doing so may create wounds, as well as worsening the pain and swelling in that area.
Can a tonsillitis infection cause a peritonsillar abscess?
If the throat is blocked, swallowing, speaking, and even breathing become difficult. When an infection of the tonsils (known as tonsillitis) spreads and causes infection in the soft tissues, a peritonsillar abscess may result. Peritonsillar abscesses are generally uncommon.
What kind of abscess is in the back of the throat?
A peritonsillar abscess is a painful, pus-filled collection of tissue that forms in the back of the throat near one of the tonsils. Peritonsillar abscesses, also called quinsy, often appear as a result of tonsillitis.
What to do if you have an abscessed tonsil?
In the back of the mouth, an abscessed tonsil will usually cause swelling on one side of the throat to the extent that the uvula will appear pushed off to the opposite side. Gargling with warm salt water may help soothe the pain associate with a sore throat.
Can a needle aspiration be performed on a peritonsillar abscess?
Needle aspiration of peritonsillar abscess. A needle aspiration of a peritonsillar abscess should only be performed by properly trained physicians. Complications of performing the aspiration can include aspiration of pus and blood, and hemorrhage. If the abscess is located in the distal part of the tonsil, puncture of the carotid artery can occur.