Physical signs of a peritonsillar abscess include redness and swelling in the tonsillar area of the affected side and swelling of the jugulodigastric lymph nodes. The uvula may be displaced towards the unaffected side. Unlike tonsillitis, which is more common in children, PTA has a more even age spread, from children to adults. Symptoms start appearing two to eight days before the formation of an abscess. A progressively severe sore throat on one side and pain during swallowing (odynophagia) usually are the earliest symptoms. As the abscess develops, persistent pain in the peritonsillar area, fever, a general sense of feeling unwell, headache, and a distortion of vowels informally known as "hot potato voice" may appear. Neck pain associated with tender, swollen lymph nodes, referred ear pain and foul breath are also common. While these signs may be present in tonsillitis itself, a PTA should be specifically considered if there is limited ability to open the mouth (trismus). Complications While most people recover uneventfully, there is a wide range of possible complications. These may include: * Retropharyngeal abscess * Extension of abscess in other deep neck spaces leading to airway compromise (see Ludwig's angina) * Airway obstruction * Aspiration pneumonitis * Lung abscess (following rupture) * Sepsis * Life-threatening hemorrhage (following erosion or septic necrosis into the carotid sheath of the neck) * Glomerulonephritis and rheumatic fever (chronic complications of strep throat) Difficulty swallowing can lead to decreased oral intake and dehydration.
complications of Tonsillitis
complications of Pharyngitis
medical cause of Tonsillitis
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causes of Tonsillitis
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