Peritonsillar Abscess – What It Is and How to Deal With It
If you’ve ever had a bad sore throat that suddenly got worse, you might be looking at a peritonsillar abscess. It’s basically a pocket of pus that forms next to your tonsil when an infection spreads. The swelling can make it hard to swallow, open your mouth, or even breathe well.
Most people get this after a bout of tonsillitis that didn’t clear up on its own. Bacteria like Streptococcus move into the tissue around the tonsil and set up shop. The body reacts by sending white blood cells, which creates the pus‑filled pocket.
Common Symptoms & Warning Signs
The first clue is usually a sore throat that feels worse on one side. You might notice:
- A severe, throbbing pain on one side of the back of your mouth
- Swelling that pushes the uvula (the little dangly thing) toward the opposite side
- Difficulty opening your mouth wide – doctors call this "trismus"
- Fever, chills, or a feeling of general sickness
- Ear pain on the affected side, even though nothing is wrong with the ear itself
If you hear a muffled voice that sounds like you have a cold, that’s another sign. The swelling can also make it feel like there’s a foreign object stuck in your throat.
Treatment Options & When to See a Doctor
The safest move is to get medical help right away. Doctors usually drain the abscess with a needle or a small incision. This relieves pressure and lets the infection start healing.
After drainage, you’ll likely be prescribed antibiotics to clear any remaining bacteria. Finish the whole course even if you feel better fast – stopping early can bring the infection back.
In some cases, especially if the abscess is small and caught early, a doctor might just give strong antibiotics without draining. But most of the time, drainage speeds up recovery and reduces pain.
Pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help with fever and throbbing discomfort. Warm salt‑water gargles a few times a day also soothe the throat and keep it clean.
While you’re healing, stick to soft foods – yogurt, mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs – and avoid anything spicy or acidic that could irritate the area. Drinking plenty of fluids is key; warm teas or broths are easier on a sore throat than cold drinks.
If your breathing feels tight, if you can’t swallow saliva, or if the swelling spreads quickly, head to an urgent care center or emergency room. Those signs mean the airway might be getting blocked, and that needs immediate attention.
Most people feel a lot better within a few days after drainage and antibiotics. Full recovery usually takes one to two weeks, but follow any check‑up appointments your doctor schedules to make sure the infection is truly gone.
To keep this from happening again, treat tonsillitis early. Finish any prescribed antibiotic course, rest plenty, and stay hydrated. If you get frequent sore throats or have a history of abscesses, talk to an ENT specialist about whether removing your tonsils might be the right move.
Bottom line: a peritonsillar abscess is painful but treatable. Spot the signs early, see a doctor quickly, and follow the treatment plan. You’ll be back to eating normal meals and talking comfortably in no time.
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