Peritonsillar abscess

A collection of pus in the tissues beside a tonsil, usually arising as a complication of tonsillitis. It can cause severe one-sided throat pain, difficulty swallowing, and altered speech.

Tonsillitis: Inflammation of the tonsils, most often caused by viral or bacterial infection. It commonly precedes the tissue infection that forms a peritonsillar abscess.
Uvular deviation: Displacement of the uvula away from its usual midline position. A large one-sided abscess may push the uvula toward the opposite side.
Retropharyngeal abscess: A collection of pus in the deep tissues behind the pharynx. It is another deep neck infection, but lies behind the throat rather than beside a tonsil.
Odynophagia: Pain during swallowing. Severe swallowing pain is a characteristic effect of inflammation beside the tonsil.
Peritonsillar cellulitis: Infection and inflammation of tissues around a tonsil without a formed collection of pus. It can resemble an abscess but lacks a drainable pus cavity.
Needle aspiration: Removal of fluid from a body cavity or lesion using a needle and syringe. Aspirating pus can confirm the diagnosis and relieve pressure.
Parapharyngeal abscess: A collection of pus in the deep space beside the pharynx. Its deeper location and potential spread distinguish it from a peritonsillar collection.
Dysphagia: Difficulty swallowing food, liquid, or saliva. Swelling and pain may make swallowing increasingly difficult.
Streptococcus pyogenes: A bacterium that causes strep throat and several invasive infections. It is one of the bacteria that may contribute to the mixed infection.
Incision and drainage: A procedure that opens an infected collection so its contents can drain. It is a common procedure for evacuating a peritonsillar abscess.

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