Peritonsillar Abscess in Emergency Medicine Questions & Answers

Updated: Oct 13, 2022
  • Author: Jorge Flores, MD; Chief Editor: Jeter (Jay) Pritchard Taylor, III, MD  more...
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Questions & Answers

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

Which conditions should be considered in the differential diagnoses of peritonsillar abscesses (PTAs)?

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)?