This document discusses peritonsillar abscess, which is a collection of pus between the tonsillar capsule and surrounding tissues that can develop after a tonsillar infection progresses to a local cellulitis and abscess. Recurrent tonsillitis and foreign bodies can cause peritonsillar abscess. Symptoms include fever, pain when swallowing, dribbling saliva, inability to open the mouth, and tender swollen lymph nodes. Diagnosis involves a physical exam and imaging tests. Treatment consists of antibiotics, corticosteroids, throat irrigation, and occasionally procedures to manage an airway if obstruction occurs. Surgical options for management include needle aspiration, incision and drainage, or tonsillectomy. Comp

1. Mr. Manikandan.T,
RN., RM., M.Sc(N)., D.C.A .,(Ph.D)
Assistant Professor,
Dept. of Medical Surgical Nursing,
VMCON, Puducherry.

2. DEFINITION
• collection of purulent exudate between the
tonsillar capsule and the surrounding tissues,
including the soft palate, may develop after an
acute tonsillar infection that progresses to a
local cellulitis and abscess.

3. Effects
• Peritonsillar abscess can be life-threatening
with mediastinitis, intracranial abscess, and
empyemas resulting from spread of infection

4. ETIOLOGY
• Recurrent attack of tonsillitis
• Foreign bodies

5. CLINICAL FEATURES
Fever
Odynophagia (severe
sensation of burning,
squeezing pain while
swallowing)
Dribbling saliva
Trismus (Inability to
open mouth)
Muffled voice
Tender and enlarged
cervical lymph
nodes.

6. DIAGNOSIS
• H.C
• P/E
• Intraoral ultrasound and transcutaneous
cervical ultrasound

7. MANAGEMENT
• Antimicrobial agents and corticosteroid therapy
are used for treatment of peritonsillar abscess.
• Antibiotics (usually penicillin).
• Use of topical anesthetic agents
• Throat irrigations may be prescribed to promote
comfort along with administration of prescribed
analgesic agents.
• Rarely, the patient with a peritonsillar abscess
presents with acute airway obstruction and
requires immediate airway management.
Procedures may include intubation,
cricothyroidotomy, or tracheotomy.

8. SURGICAL MANAGEMENT
• Needle aspiration – 3ml – next day
• Incision and drainage (painful)
• Tonsillectomy

9. COMPLICATION
• Pharyngeal abcess
• Septicemia
• Laryngeal edema