Peritonsillar Abscess Symptoms

The first symptom of peritonsillar abscess is usually a sore throat. A period without fever or other symptoms may follow as the abscess develops. It is not unusual for a delay of 2-5 days between the start of symptoms and abscess formation.

• The mouth and throat may show a swollen area of inflammation—typically on one side.

• The uvula (the small finger of tissue that hangs down in the middle of the throat) may be shoved away from the swollen side of the mouth.

• Lymph glands in the neck may be enlarged and tender.

• Other signs and symptoms may be observed:
  
  
  • Severe sore throat that becomes isolated to one side
    
    
  • Painful swallowing
    
    
  • Fever and chills
    
    
  • Muscle spasm in the muscles of the jaw (trismus) and neck (torticollis)
    
    
  • Ear pain on the same side as the abscess
    
    
  • A muffled voice, often described as a "hot potato" voice (sounds as if you have a mouthful of hot potato when you talk)
    
    
  • Difficulty swallowing saliva