Peritonsillar Abscess

Epidemiology

In contrast to acute tonsillitis, which is more common in children, peritonsillar abscess is more common in young adults. The average age is 25 years with more than 65% of patients falling between the ages of 20 and 40. This infection affects males and females equally.

Clinical Findings

The most common symptoms are sore throat, dysphagia, fever, and trismus. Almost all patients have a history of recurrent pharyngitis. Physical examinations show an inflamed oropharyngeal mass involving the soft palate and supratonsillar space. Patients express great anxiety and distress when the abscess begins to compromise the airway.