Peritonsillar Abscess
A peritonsillar abscess is a collection of pus or an abscess caused by a bacterial infection in the throat. This condition is usually a complication of untreated tonsillitis or tonsillitis. This collection of pus can also form near an infected area of skin or other soft tissue.
As a result, a pus pocket called an abscess forms in one of the tonsils. This condition can happen to anyone but is most common in young adults, children, and adolescents.
When tonsillitis occurs and treatment is not done properly, the infection can spread and target the surrounding soft tissue. This condition is called a peritonsillar abscess.
This condition usually occurs in young adults, with the highest prevalence of cases at the age of 20-40 years. However, this condition can also occur in children.
Symptoms of Peritonsillar Abscess
Symptoms of peritonsillar abscess are similar to tonsillitis and strep throat. However, it is accompanied by the presence of a pus pocket in the back of the throat. This can be seen when opening the mouth wide.
Some symptoms that can occur when suffering from this condition are:
1. Infection of one or both tonsils.
2. Fever or chills.
3. Difficulty opening the mouth fully.
4. Difficulty swallowing.
5. Difficulty swallowing saliva resulting in drooling.
6. Swelling of the face or neck.
7. Headache.
8. Muffled sound.
9. Sore throat.
10. Swollen glands in the throat and jaw, and ear pain on the affected side of the throat.
11. Bad breath.
A peritonsillar abscess can also cause more severe and exciting symptoms, namely:
A peritonsillar abscess can cause severe symptoms or complications. Rare and more serious symptoms include:
1. Lungs are infected.
2. Blocked airway.
3. The infection spreads to the throat, mouth, neck, and chest.
4. The abscess ruptured.
If an abscess is not treated promptly, it can lead to infection throughout the body. It can also block the airway even further.
Risk Factors for Peritonsillar Abscess
Some things that could be risk factors for this condition are:
1. There is a tooth infection.
2. Chronic tonsillitis (inflammation of the tonsils).
3. Smoking.
4. Leukemia.
5. The presence of stones or calcium deposits in the tonsils.
Causes of Peritonsillar Abscess
A peritonsillar abscess occurs due to untreated tonsillitis or tonsil infection, which spreads to the surrounding tissue. It can be said that peritonsillar abscess is a complication of tonsillitis. The cause of infection is usually Streptococcus bacteria, which can also be accompanied by other anaerobic bacterial infections.
In addition, mononucleosis can also cause peritonsillar abscesses and tooth and gum infections. However, it is possible for peritonsillar abscesses to occur without infection, although this is rare. The most common cause is inflammation of the Weber glands, which are glands located under the tongue and produce saliva.
Diagnosis of Peritonsillar Abscess
Diagnosis is usually made based on an interview and physical examination. The doctor will use a flashlight to look at the tonsils and surrounding tissue and press on the suspected abscess to make sure there is pus inside.
Other supporting examinations can use ultrasound, X-rays or CT scans. The goal is to see other possible causes involved in the tissue. Through imaging tests, the following conditions may also be found, namely:
Epiglottitis, which is inflammation of the epiglottis which is a covering of tissue that prevents food from entering the throat.
Retropharyngeal abscess, a pocket of pus forming behind the tissue at the back of the throat. It looks like a peritonsillar abscess but in a different location.
Peritonsillar cellulitis, which is a soft tissue infection that forms beneath the surface of the tissue.
In addition, your doctor may also need to test for the mononucleosis virus. Some experts believe that the mononucleosis virus is associated with peritonsillar abscess. The possibility is as high as 20 percent.
The doctor may also send a sample of pus from the abscess to a laboratory so that the type of bacteria can be identified.
Peritonsillar Abscess Treatment
In the treatment of peritonsillar abscess, the doctor will use antibiotic therapy. The administration of antibiotics is intended to kill bacteria and most cases can be treated on an outpatient basis.
However, if necessary, the doctor will recommend hospitalization. In addition, the doctor may also prescribe medication to relieve pain and speed up the recovery of the condition. However, if medication does not relieve the symptoms of peritonsillar abscess, the doctor may recommend the following treatments:
Drainage of peritonsillar abscess. The doctor will drain the peritonsillar abscess. To do this, the doctor will need to make an incision in the abscess so that the pus inside can drain out.
Tonsillectomy. If you have recurrent peritonsillar abscesses, your doctor may recommend a tonsillectomy. This procedure involves surgically removing your tonsils.
After undergoing peritonsillar abscess treatment, you still need to follow up on your condition with a doctor, especially an ear, nose, and throat specialist (ENT/ otolaryngologist). Monitoring aims for the doctor to ensure that the treatment really has a positive impact. In addition, you also need to see a doctor again if:
1. The abscess is forming again. You may need a different antibiotic or further drainage.
2. If you experience excessive bleeding or have difficulty breathing or swallowing, seek medical attention immediately.
Prevention of Peritonsillar Abscess
Prevention for this disease can be done by:
1. Eat healthy foods.
2. Drink enough water.
3. Limit consumption of oily foods.
4. Stop smoking.
5. Practice good oral hygiene.
If there is a complaint of sore throat (inflammation) when swallowing, immediately discuss with a doctor to be treated until healed. In addition, a good rest pattern and regular sleep are also needed, so that the body’s resistance remains good.
Complications of Peritonsillar Abscess
If a peritonsillar abscess has been treated, usually the condition will disappear without causing further problems. However, there is still a possibility that the sufferer will experience another infection later. If not treated immediately, complications from the abscess can arise. These complications include:
1. Obstruction of the airway.
2. Bacterial infection in the jaw, neck, or chest.
3. Bloodstream infection.
4. Sepsis.
5. Death.
6. Pneumonia.
7. Meningitis.
If you are having problems with your tonsils, talk to your doctor about possible treatments and ways to get rid of them. Pay attention to any pain or symptoms in your throat. Always remember that early detection is the key to successful treatment of peritonsillar abscess.