Periamygdalian abscess results from the complication of pharyngotonsillitis, and is characterized by an extension of the infection located in the amygdala, to structures of the space around it, which can be caused by different bacteria, with Streptococcus pyogenes being the most common.
This infection can cause symptoms such as pain and difficulty swallowing, fever and headache, which usually disappear with treatment, which consists of the administration of antibiotics and, in some cases, drainage of the pus and surgery.
Possible causes
Periamygdalic abscess occurs around the tonsils and results from the extension of tonsillitis, which is an infection caused by bacteria, with Streptococcus pyogenes being the most common pathogen.
Learn how to identify tonsillitis and how treatment is done.
What symptoms
The most common symptoms of a peritonsillar abscess are pain and difficulty in swallowing, bad breath, increased salivation, altered voice, painful contracture of the jaw muscles, fever and headache.
What is the diagnosis
The diagnosis of periamigdaliano abscess is made through a visual examination in which a swelling of the tissues around the infected amygdala is observed, and displacement of the uvula. In addition, the doctor can also take a sample of the pus and send it to the laboratory for further analysis.
How the treatment is done
Treatment consists of the administration of antibiotics, such as penicillin + metronidazole, amoxicillin + clavulanate and clindamycin, for example. These antibiotics are usually associated with anti-inflammatory drugs, to relieve pain and swelling. In addition, the doctor can also drain the abscess and send a small sample for analysis.
In some cases, the doctor may even suggest having a tonsillectomy, which is a surgery in which the tonsils are removed, and which is usually performed due to the high risk of recurrence. Thus, this surgical procedure is not recommended for people who just suffered from an abscess episode, with no history of recurrent tonsillitis. Tonsillectomy should also not be performed during the infectious and inflammatory process, and you should wait until the infection is treated.
Watch the following video and learn more about tonsillectomy and what to do and eat to recover quickly:
