Overview
How common are peritonsillar abscesses (PTAs)?
What are the signs and symptoms of peritonsillar abscesses (PTAs)?
Which physical findings are characteristic of peritonsillar abscesses (PTAs)?
Which lab tests are performed in the workup of peritonsillar abscesses (PTAs)?
Which imaging studies are performed in the workup of peritonsillar abscesses (PTAs)?
What is the initial treatment for peritonsillar abscesses (PTAs)?
Which surgical interventions are used in the acute treatment of peritonsillar abscesses (PTAs)?
Which medications are used in the treatment of peritonsillar abscesses (PTAs)?
What are peritonsillar abscesses (PTAs)?
What is the pathophysiology of peritonsillar abscesses (PTAs)?
What is the prevalence of peritonsillar abscesses (PTAs) in the US?
What is the global prevalence of peritonsillar abscesses (PTAs)?
What is the morbidity associated with peritonsillar abscesses (PTAs)?
What are the racial predilections of peritonsillar abscesses (PTAs)?
What are the sexual predilections of peritonsillar abscesses (PTAs)?
Which age groups have the highest prevalence of peritonsillar abscesses (PTAs)?
Presentation
Which clinical history findings are characteristic of peritonsillar abscesses (PTAs)?
Which physical findings suggest peritonsillar abscesses (PTAs)?
What causes peritonsillar abscesses (PTAs)?
DDX
Workup
What is the role of lab testing in the workup of peritonsillar abscesses (PTAs)?
What is the role of imaging studies in the workup of peritonsillar abscesses (PTAs)?
What is the role of surgery in the treatment of peritonsillar abscesses (PTAs)?
What is the role of needle aspiration in the treatment of peritonsillar abscesses (PTAs)?
What is the role of incision and drainage in the treatment of peritonsillar abscesses (PTAs)?
What is the role of tonsillectomy in the treatment of peritonsillar abscesses (PTAs)?
Treatment
What is included in prehospital care of peritonsillar abscesses (PTAs)?
What is included in emergency department (ED) care of peritonsillar abscesses (PTAs)?
Which specialist consultations are beneficial to patients with peritonsillar abscesses (PTAs)?
Medications
What is the role of medications in the treatment of peritonsillar abscesses (PTAs)?
Follow-up
How are peritonsillar abscesses (PTAs) treated in an outpatient setting?
What is included in inpatient care of peritonsillar abscesses (PTAs)?
What are the possible complications of peritonsillar abscesses (PTAs)?
What is the prognosis of peritonsillar abscesses (PTAs)?
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Right peritonsillar abscess. The soft palate, which is erythematous and edematous, is displaced anteriorly. The patient has a "hot potato–sounding" voice.
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Pus is aspirated through a wide-bore needle from the right peritonsillar abscess. An additional incision will be made to drain any other pus pockets.