title: Peritonsillar abscess: diagnosis and treatment.
abstract: Peritonsillar abscess, the most common deep infection of the head and neck that occurs in adults, is typically formed by a combination of aerobic and anaerobic bacteria. The presenting symptoms include fever, throat pain, and trismus. Ultrasonography and computed tomographic scanning are useful in confirming a diagnosis. Needle aspiration remains the gold standard for diagnosis and treatment of peritonsillar abscess. After performing aspiration, appropriate antibiotic therapy (including penicillin, clindamycin, cephalosporins, or metronidazole) must be initiated. In advanced cases, incision and drainage or immediate tonsillectomy may be required.
authors.affiliation: Department of Family Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, USA. steyerte@musc.edu
authors.forename: Terence E
authors.initials: TE
authors.lastname: Steyer
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004322:Drainage; D006801:Humans; D000039:Peritonsillar Abscess / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy*
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents