PTA (peritonsillar abscesses), also known as quinsey or quinsy, is a complication of tonsillitis. It consists of a collection of pus in the tonsil area, in the peritonsillar space. It is critical do deal with it as soon as possible because this is a common otorhinolaryngological emergency. The most common cause of the infection is streptococcal bacteria in the soft tissue around the tonsils.

Most common, dental infections (like gum infections gingivitis and periodontitis) are the ones at fault. There are other factors that favor peritonsillar abscess apparition, such as infectious mononucleosis, chronic tonsillitis, chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), smoking and calcium and stones deposit in the tonsils.

What are the symptoms of Peritonsillar Abscesses?

The first symptom of peritonsillar abscess is most of the times a sore throat. As the abscess develops, a period without fever or other symptoms will follow. The other symptoms will start to develop after 2-5 days. After this, your mouth and throat will be more swollen on one side. The uvula (the small tissue that hang down in the middle of your throat) will be shoved away from the enlarged part of the mouth. You could suffer from fever, ear pain, a muffled voice and you will find it difficult to swallow saliva.

When it’s the right time to seek medical attention

Any sore throat followed by a high fever needs to be discussed with your doctor over the phone first and then at the office. If aside from a sore throat and fever you find it difficult to swallow, speak and breath you need to seek immediate attention and emergency transportation to an ER.

Peritonsillar abscesses are diagnosed based on a physical exam. It is quite easy to diagnose if it is large enough to see. Using a light and a tongue depressor, the doctor will look into your mouth. If there is any swelling and redness located on one side of the throat in the tonsil area it means that there is an abscess present. It is possible that the doctor will gently push that area with a gloved finder to determine if there is pus inside.

It is best to prevent an abscess from ever happening

The best way of doing this is to have perfect oral hygiene. This way you keep away the infection and do not allow it to develop in your mouth and spread to the tonsils. Brush your teeth daily at least twice a day and use string floss and mouthwash. By removing the plaque correctly you lower the chances of ever suffering from gingivitis, bleeding gums, and periodontal disease. In addition, you should visit the dentist periodically (once every six months) to resolve any newly appeared issues and remove plaque.

Take care of your teeth. You are not preventing gingivitis and periodontal disease, but also peritonsillar abscesses.

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All you need to know about peritonsillar abscess