WHAT YOU SHOULD
KNOW
A peritonsillar (PAIR-ee-TON-sill-er) abscess (AB-sess),
also called quinsy (kwin-z) sore throat, is a pus-filled cavity
in back of the throat near the tonsils. If you don't get
treatment, the abscess may spread into your head and neck. An
abscess that grows very large can even interfere with
breathing. With care, however, the problem will begin to clear
up in a few days.
Causes
The abscess is usually caused by
bacteria that produce an infection in your tonsils, throat, or
mouth which then spreads deep into the neck.
Signs/Symptoms
The abscess is accompanied by
severe pain, swelling, and redness in the throat; ear pain;
trouble swallowing and talking; drooling; and bad breath. You
may also have a fever and headache.
Care
The abscess must be broken to
drain out the pus. The doctor may prick it with a special
needle or make a cut in it. If the condition is severe, you may
need to have your tonsils removed.
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO
-
Rinse your throat with warm salt water or hydrogen
peroxide: Mix 1 teaspoon of salt in 1 cup of warm water or
1/2 cup of hydrogen peroxide in 1/2 cup of warm water.
After you finish rinsing, spit out the water; DO NOT
SWALLOW IT. Rinse every 2 to 4 hours for several
days.
-
To help ease the pain, fill a plastic bag with ice
and wrap it in a towel. Hold the ice on your neck for 20
minutes, 3 or 4 times a day.
-
Over-the-counter medications, such as acetaminophen
and ibuprofen, will also ease pain and fever. Take these
and other medicines exactly as
directed.
-
If your doctor prescribes antibiotics, finish all the
medication even if you begin to feel better. If you stop
treatment too soon, some bacteria in the abscess may
survive and cause a second infection.
-
Rest in bed for 1 or 2 days, then slowly resume your
regular activities.
-
Eat soft or liquid foods for several days until your
throat feels better. Milk, milk shakes, ice cream, gelatin,
soups, and instant breakfast drinks are good choices.
Slowly return to your normal diet.
-
Drink 8 to 10 (soda-can sized) glasses of water each
day. For the first 1 or 2 days, it may feel better to sip
the fluids.
-
While your throat is sore, try not to cough, clear
your throat, sing, talk loudly, or
shout.
-
Do not smoke until your throat feels
better.
Call Your Doctor If...
-
You have more pain, swelling, redness, or pus
draining in your throat.
-
You develop a high temperature.
-
You get dizzy, have a really bad headache, or feel
very sick all over.
Seek Care Immediately If...
-
You cough or throw up blood.
-
Your throat pain gets worse and you begin to
drool.
-
You have trouble breathing, or there is a change in
your voice.
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