Peritonsillar Abscess & Risks Associated with Chronic Antibiotic Use

Fighting Bacterial Infections of the Tonsils

Bacterial infections have long been thought of as curable ailments, often destroyed with the use of antibiotics. For some individuals, antibiotics are not the only solution to resolving a bacterial infection. In particular, those individuals who suffer from a bacterial infection that leads to a peritonsillar abscess, will require a more extensive form of treatment.

Peritonsillar abscess is a bacterial infection limited to the head and neck, often involving very deep tissue, with some risk for developing cellulitis in the tonsils. Commonly found among middle aged adults, peritonsillar abscess most commonly develops in those who have a history of chronic tonsillitis or have used antibiotics, repeatedly, to resolve infections.

Strep infections are most commonly associated with peritonsillar abscess development. While difficult to see on visual examination, physicians who are familiar with an adult patient's medical history of recurring tonsillitis, can often diagnose a peritonsillar abscess with relative ease. Because an adult patient will show great difficulty in opening the mouth, often, the peritonsillar abscess is suspected before even examining the tonsils.

While antibiotics are successful at resolving most bacterial infections in the tonsils, in patients who suffer from peritonsillar tonsillitis, the treatment will be far more expanded. With needle aspiration, the swelling can be reduced and a positive diagnosis, from aspirated fluids, can be obtained. In addition to antibiotics and needle aspiration, the physician may recommend more drastic surgical options, including incision and drainage or an immediate need for emergency tonsillectomy, to treat your peritonsillar abscess. In most cases of peritonsillar abscess, today, the physician will recommend incision and drainage over all other surgical options. If unsuccessful, then tonsillectomy is usually performed as a viable option.

If you suffer from recurring episodes of peritonsillar abscess, even resolved by incision and drainage coupled with antibiotics, you may want to discuss the option for surgical tonsillectomy three to six months after resolution of your infection. Because there is great risk for recurring development of peritonsillar abscess in the future, a tonsillectomy is, ultimately, the best treatment option.

As with any chronic and recurring bacterial infection, the key to your optimal health lies in the early detection and treatment of the complication. For those who suffer from chronic tonsillitis, and develop peritonsillar abscess, the use of antibiotics, coupled with incision and drainage, is your first line of defense. Once resolved, discuss the use of a tonsillectomy as a way in which to prevent future peritonsillar abscess complications.