Peritonsillar Abscess
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- Peritonsillar Abscess Overview
- Peritonsillar Abscess Causes
- Peritonsillar Abscess Symptoms
- When to Seek Medical Care
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Peritonsillar Abscess Overview
A peritonsillar abscess forms in the tissues of the throat next to one of the tonsils. An abscess is a collection of pus that forms near an area of infected skin or other soft tissue.
The abscess can cause pain, swelling, and, if severe, blockage of the throat. If the throat is blocked, swallowing, speaking, and even breathing become difficult.
- When an infection of the tonsils (known as tonsillitis) spreads and causes infection in the soft tissues, a peritonsillar abscess may result.
- Peritonsillar abscess is relatively common in adults but rare in infants and young children.
Next: Peritonsillar Abscess Causes »
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Peritonsillar Abscess
Epiglottitis Overview
Epiglottitis is a medical emergency that may result in death if not treated quickly. The epiglottis is a flap of tissue that sits at the base of the tongue that keeps food from going into the trachea, or windpipe, during swallowing. When it gets infected and inflamed, it can obstruct, or close off, the windpipe, which may be fatal unless promptly treated.
Respiratory infection, environmental exposure, or trauma may result in inflammation and infection of other structures around the throat. This infection and inflammation may spread to involve the epiglottis as well as other upper airway structures. Epiglottitis usually begins as an inflammation and swelling between the base of the tongue and the epiglottis. This may cause the throat structures to push the epiglottis backward. With continued inflammation and swelling of the epiglottis, complete blockage of the airway may occur, leading to suffocation and death. Autopsies of people with epiglottiti...
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Peritonsillar Abscess »
A peritonsillar abscess (PTA) is a localized accumulation of pus in the peritonsillar tissues that forms as a result of suppurative tonsillitis.
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