A Peritonsillar Abscess forms in the tissues of the throat next to one of the tonsils. An abscess is a collection of pus that forms near an area of infected skin or other soft tissue.

The abscess can cause pain, swelling, and if severe, blockage of the throat. If the throat is blocked, swallowing, speaking, and even breathing become difficult.

When an infection of the tonsils (known as tonsillitis) spreads and causes infection in the soft tissues, a peritonsillar abscess may result.

Peritonsillar abscesses are generally uncommon. When they do occur they are more likely among young adults, adolescents, and older children.

CAUSES OF PEROTONSILLAR ABSCESS

Streptococcal bacteria most commonly cause an infection in the soft tissue around the tonsils

Dental infection 

RISK FACTORS

• Chronic tonsillitis
• Infectious mononucleosis
• Smoking
• Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)
• Stones or calcium deposits in the tonsils (tonsilloliths)

SYMPTOMS OF PERITONSILAR ABSCESS

1. Sore throat.
2. Enlarged uvula
3. Enlarged lymph glands in the neck
4. Painful swallowing
5. Fever and chills
6. Spasm in the muscles of the jaw (trismus) and neck (torticollis)
7. Ear pain on the same side as the abscess
8. A muffled voice
9. Difficulty swallowing

DIAGNOSIS OF PERITONSILAR ABSCESS

Lab tests and X-rays are not used often. Sometimes an X-ray, CT scan, or an ultrasound will be performed, typically to make sure other upper airway illnesses are not present. These conditions may include the following:

COMPLICATIONS OF PERITONSILAR ABSCESS

• Airway blockage
• Bleeding from erosion of the abscess into a major blood vessel
• Dehydration from difficulty swallowing
• Infection in the tissues beneath the breastbone
• Pneumonia
• Meningitis
• Sepsis (bacteria in the bloodstream)

HOMEOPATHIC TREAMENT FOR PERITONSILAR ABSCESS

BARYTA CARB

Useful for peritonsilar abscess where there is difficulty in swallowing (food or saliva) and speaking only swallowing of liquids.There is stinging and smarting pain in the throat with soreness to touch and also there is marked suppuration (pus collection) behind the tonsils.Useful for swollen palate which is attended with fever, red face, offensive breath, and thick phlegm. There is increased salivation along with the sensation of having a plug in the throat.

HEPAR SULPH 

Useful for peritonsilar absess where the pain in throat radiates to the ear. There is marked uneasiness with stitching pain in the throat.There is scraping and smarting sensation that arises upon swallowing food. Also there is a sensation of having splinter or plug of mucus in the throat and fever with chills may be present.

MERC SOL 

Very useful medicine for peritonsilar abscess with excessive drooling of saliva. There is a collection of pus behind the tonsil which may be enlarged. There is red and swollen palate with difficulty in swallowing.Useful for sharp, sticking pain in fauces which particularly felt upon swallowing. There is rawness and burning in the throat along with a constant thirst for water. There is also an offensive smell from the mouth.

LACHESIS 

Very effective medicine for peritonsilar abscess with suppuration of the left tonsil.There is pain in left side of throat which is worse from taking liquids and from empty swallowing.Given when pain may radiate to the ear and usually worsens after sleep in most cases.

LYCOPODIUM

Useful for peritonsilar abscess with suppuration behind right tonsil. Useful  The right tonsil is sore, painful and suppurated. The throat feels dry and sharp pain is felt in the tonsil particularly upon swallowing.There is burning and pricking appears in the tonsil.

PHYTOLACCA

Useful for peritonsilar abscess with marked burning pains in the throat. There is constirction feeling in throat with purplish appearance.Given when there is intensely dry, roughthroat  with burning and smarting in fauces. Useful when swallowing gets difficult and is followed by excruciating pain in the throat that shoots to the ears.

PSORINUM

Useful for peritonsilar abscess when there is tendency of repeated attacks.Given when the tonsils are greatly swollen along with painful swallowing.Useful for throat pain while swallowing which may be burning, cutting or tearing in nature.Given when pain may extend to ear from throat while swallowing.There is profuse and offensive salivation with tough mucus.

SILICEA

Useful for peritonsilar abscess when the recovery from suppurating tonsils is very slow.Very useful for fetid pus Helpful to hasten the recovery process and clear off the pus discharges effectively.

STREPTOCOCCINUM

Very effective medicine for peitonsilar abscess with strep throat infection. There is red and swollen throat and there is an accumulation of excessive pus behind the tonsil. There is a constant pain in the throat with enlarged nodes in the neck.

FIEBRISOME