|
 Abdominal and Pelvic Trauma
Acute Angle-Closure Glaucoma
Aids
Bowel Obstruction
Central Vertigo
Croup
Diphtheria
Epiglottitis
Fifth Metatarsal Fracture
Gastrointestinal Bleeding
Infant Botulism
Mastoiditis
Meningococcemia
Necrotizing Fasciitis
Optic Neuritis
Osteomyelitis
Panic Disorder
Pericarditis
Pneumonia
Reye's Syndrome
Salicylates
Schizophrenia
Tetanus
Tumor
Volvulus
Wound Botulism |
Peritonsillar Abscess
Peritonsillar abscess (PTA) is diagnosed through clinical examination and most commonly results from tonsillitis. Large abscesses may displace the uvula laterally and lead to respiratory compromise if not treated. PTA is rare in individuals under 6 years and over 40 years. Peritonsillar cellulitis (PTC) has a similar presentation, but no fluctuance is noted on physical examination.
Causes
- Several organisms that may cause Peritonsillar Abscess such as Streptococcus milleri, Haemophilus influenzae, Staphylococcus aureus.
- A peritonsillar abscess is most often a cause of tonsillitis. Streptococcal bacteria most commonly cause an infection in the soft tissue around the tonsils.
- Dental infection such as periodontitis and gingivitis—gum disorders may be the cause of Peritonsillar Abscess.
- Several factors that may cause Peritonsillar Abscess such as Infectious mononucleosis, Smoking, Chronic lymphocytic leukemia, Stones or calcium deposits in the tonsils (tonsilloliths).
Symptoms
- Odynophagia +++++
- Sore throat +++++
- Dysphagia ++++
- Drooling ++++
- Otalgia ++++
- Voice change ++++
- Fever +++
- History of recent tonsillitis +++ or prior PTA ++
- Length of symptoms, age, and degree of fever do not help differentiate PTA from PTC.
Signs
- Unilateral peritonsillar edema and fluctuance +++++
- Trismus ++++
- Uvular deviation to the opposite side of the abscess with inferior or medial displacement of the tonsil
- Exudative tonsillitis ++
Treatment
- The doctor has several options for treating you, First needle aspiration involves slowly putting a needle into the abscess and withdrawing the pus into a syringe. Other is incision and drainage involves using a scalpel to make a small cut in the abscess so pus can drain.
- The aimed of treatment is curing the infection and relieving symptoms. Antibiotics may be given if the infection is bacterial. Analgesics may be used, if needed, for pain. Surgery to remove the tonsils (tonsillectomy) may be considered.
|
|
