14 Most Common Symptoms of Peritonsillar Abscess

Peritonsillar abscess occurs when pus collects around the tonsils. This pus forms within the tissues and then collects there instead of draining. A peritonsillar abscess can be caused by many different things, but most often as a result of some type of infection such as strep throat. Peritonsillar abscesses can be quite painful.

They can also make it difficult to swallow. If you are experiencing a peritonsillar abscess it is important to go to your doctor right away. You need to take some antibiotics in order to help your body fight off the infection. In addition, if the abscess is not draining, your doctor may use a needle to drain the abscess and provide you with some relief from the pain. Here are some common symptoms of a peritonsillar abscess to consider so that you know when to get treatment so that you recover more quickly.

1. Sore Throat

One of the most common complaints that precede a peritonsillar abscess is a sore throat. In some cases, a culture or rapid strep test will not catch strep throat. When strep throat is not caught early it can become worse. When this happens it is more likely that a person will develop a peritonsillar abscess.

If you have had a persistent sore throat and the strep test came back negative, but the sore throat is not getting any better, make sure that you talk to your doctor about your symptoms. Your doctor should check your tonsils and note if they are swollen and red. If this is the case, they may test for a peritonsillar abscess. Antibiotics can be prescribed in order to help your body fight off the infection. In addition, if the abscess is severe, the doctor can drain it in order to provide you with some relief.