FreeMD® Peritonsillar Abscess Underlying Cause

Peritonsillar Abscess

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Underlying Cause

Peritonsillar Abscess Underlying Cause

A peritonsillar abscess is caused by a bacterial infection of the tonsils. Once the bacteria enter the tissue underneath the surface of the tonsil, the body forms an abscess as means to fight the infection.

Continue to Peritonsillar Abscess Anatomy

View more Throat and tonsil infections topics

Related Topics:

Bacterial pharyngitis
Difficulty swallowing
Retropharyngeal abscess
Sore throat
Tonsillitis
More...

Difficulty swallowing
Excessive drooling
Hoarse voice
Sore throat
Swollen glands in the neck

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Last Updated: Jun 19, 2008 References

Authors: Stephen J. Schueler, MD; John H. Beckett, MD; D. Scott Gettings, MD

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Peritonsillar Abscess References:

Franzese CB, Isaacson JE. Peritonsillar and parapharyngeal space abscess in the older adult. Am J Otolaryngol. 2003 May-Jun;24(3):169-73.
Galioto NJ. Peritonsillar abscess. Am Fam Physician. 2008 Jan 15;77(2):199-202.
Johnson RF, Stewart MG, Wright CC. An evidence-based review of the treatment of peritonsillar abscess. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2003 Mar;128(3):332-43.
Johnson RF, Stewart MG. The contemporary approach to diagnosis and management of peritonsillar abscess. Curr Opin Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2005 Jun;13(3):157-60.
Ozbek C, Aygenc E, Tuna EU, Selcuk A, Ozdem C. Use of steroids in the treatment of peritonsillar abscess. J Laryngol Otol. 2004 Jun;118(6):439-42.
Ozbek C, Aygenc E, Unsal E, Ozdem C. Peritonsillar abscess: a comparison of outpatient i.m. clindamycin and inpatient i.v. ampicillin/sulbactam following needle aspiration. Ear Nose Throat J. 2005 Jun;84(6):366-8.