Question 1

is there an over-the-counter treatment for peritonsillar abscess?

Accepted Answer

No: A peritonsillar abscess may well require surgical drainage.  Adjunctive treatment with antibiotics would also be indicated.  Neither of these modalities is available "over the counter".

Question 2

what is the treatment for a peritonsillar abscess?

Accepted Answer

Usually drainage: Early abscess may respond to antibiotics and steroids but usually require drainage.

Question 3

should i go to emergency if i know i have a peritonsillar abscess?

Accepted Answer

Yes: You should go to the er. I presume your regular doctor does not have office hours currently. Depending on the extent of your peritonsillar abscess, it may need incision and drainage. Intravenous hydration and antibiotics may be beneficial as well.

Question 4

can crohn's disease and a peritonsillar abscess be related?

Accepted Answer

Not necessarily: While crohn's disease can have oral mucosal manifestations (apthous ulcers, for instance), peritonsillar abscesses are not necessarily more common in a patient with crohn's disease.

Question 5

what does peritonsillar abscess actually mean?

Accepted Answer

Peritonsillar absces: Peritonsillar abscess describes a collection of pus that has collected behind an infected tonsil.

Question 6

what are the most common symptoms of peritonsillar abscess?

Accepted Answer

Peritonsilar abscess: Uvula deviation (displaced to the side) cannot swallow, shortness of breath, drooling, gooffy voice, death due to airway/throat obstruction. Needs immediate attention.

Question 7

what is the definition or description of: peritonsillar abscess?

Accepted Answer

Peritonsillar absces: This is an abscess that forms in the space between the tonsil and the pharyngeal wall. They are usually painful and cause difficulty swallowing. In severe cases they can cause breathing problems. The often respond to simple needle drainage and antibiotics. Recurrent cases generally result in tonsillectomy.

Question 8

if you have a peritonsillar abscess how likely are you to have it happen again?

Accepted Answer

Depends: Peritonsillar abscess frequently treated with oral, sometimes IV antibiotics,  
Sometimes patients need surgery to drain the abscess.  
Hard to predict potential for recurrence.  Ask your ENT,
Feel better

Question 9

is a peritonsillar abscess contagious?

Accepted Answer

Depends: A peritonsillar abscess is a serious complication of an acute tonsillitis.  It is not that the abscess is contagious, but that the etiology of the tonsillitis, if is viral or bacterial can be contagious.

Question 10

how long is a peritonsillar abscess contagious?

Accepted Answer

Ask the French: Probably more important to get that darned thing drained so you don't develop serious complications. And as far as being "contageous,"you've probably got residual inflammation for a few days after it is drained, so as long as you don't cough in someone's face or do any French kissing you won't pass it on. It may recur if no antibiotics are taken (or even with) so keep an "eye" on it for a while

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Alternative treatments for peritonsillar abscess

A member asked:

Is there an over-the-counter treatment for peritonsillar abscess?

A member asked:

What is the treatment for a peritonsillar abscess?

A member asked:

Should i go to emergency if i know i have a peritonsillar abscess?

A member asked:

Can crohn's disease and a peritonsillar abscess be related?

A member asked:

What does peritonsillar abscess actually mean?

A member asked:

What are the most common symptoms of peritonsillar abscess?

A member asked:

What is the definition or description of: peritonsillar abscess?

A member asked:

If you have a peritonsillar abscess how likely are you to have it happen again?

A member asked:

Is a peritonsillar abscess contagious?

A member asked:

How long is a peritonsillar abscess contagious?

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