Pediatric Peritonsillar Abscess Follow-up

Updated: Jan 21, 2022
  • Author: Itzhak Brook, MD, MSc; Chief Editor: Russell W Steele, MD  more...
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Follow-up

Further Outpatient Care

Arrange for follow-up in 24 hours.

Arrange for patient reassessment for further surgical intervention such as elective tonsillectomy.

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Further Inpatient Care

Admit patients with peritonsillar abscesses (PTAs) with the following conditions:

  • Airway compromise

  • Dehydration and inability to tolerate oral intake

  • Uncertain outpatient compliance

  • Unclear diagnosis

  • Suspected local or systemic complications

  • Toxic appearance

Include intravenous fluids, intravenous antibiotics, and analgesia.

Reevaluate patients daily for possible further surgical intervention including repeat aspiration, incision and drainage, or abscess tonsillectomy in the operating room.

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Transfer

Transfer to an institution where ENT has experience in treating peritonsillar abscess in children.

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Deterrence/Prevention

Adequate antimicrobial treatment of group A Streptococcus tonsillitis may reduce the risk of peritonsillar abscess. In patients with peritonsillar abscess who have a history of recurrent tonsillitis or peritonsillar abscess, interval tonsillectomy is recommended to prevent further episodes.

Poor oral hygiene, inappropriate antibiotic use, and smoking all are risk factors for peritonsillar abscess in adults, [34, 35] and eliminating these risk factors may reduce its occurrence.

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