The information on this website is not intended for diagnosis or treatment. Please consult your physician for health concerns.

+90 850 321 50 00

Peritonsillar Abscess in Children

Pus collection between the tonsillar capsule and pharyngeal muscles, an otolaryngologic emergency in children and adolescents.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Published:

This content is for general information; please consult your physician for diagnosis and treatment.

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Çocuk Sağlığı ve Hastalıkları department. Book Appointment →

What is Peritonsillar Abscess in Children?

Peritonsillar abscess, also known as quinsy, is a localized collection of pus between the palatine tonsil capsule and the superior constrictor muscle of the pharynx. It is the most common deep neck space infection in adolescents and older children, typically following acute or recurrent tonsillitis.

Common pathogens include group A Streptococcus, anaerobes such as Fusobacterium and Prevotella, and oral mixed flora. Children present with severe unilateral sore throat, dysphagia, drooling, fever, trismus, muffled hot potato voice, ipsilateral ear pain and uvular deviation away from the abscess.

Diagnosis is mainly clinical, supported by point-of-care ultrasound or contrast-enhanced CT in unclear cases. Treatment combines drainage by needle aspiration or incision and drainage with intravenous antibiotics covering streptococci and anaerobes. Hydration, analgesia, airway monitoring and otolaryngology follow-up are essential. Quinsy tonsillectomy may be indicated for recurrent disease.

Symptoms

Severe unilateral sore throat
Trismus and difficulty opening the mouth
Drooling and dysphagia
Fever
Hot potato muffled voice
Ipsilateral ear pain
Uvular deviation

Risk Factors

Recent or recurrent tonsillitis
Inadequate antibiotic treatment
Smoking exposure
Dental infection
Immunosuppression
Dehydration
Adolescent age group

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • Severe unilateral throat pain
  • Inability to swallow saliva
  • High fever with drooling
  • Trismus and muffled voice
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Recurrent peritonsillar episodes

Treatment Methods

01
Needle aspiration of the abscess
02
Incision and drainage when indicated
03
Intravenous antibiotics for streptococci and anaerobes
04
Intravenous fluids and analgesia
05
Steroids for inflammation in selected cases
06
Airway monitoring
07
Tonsillectomy for recurrent disease

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Çocuk Sağlığı ve Hastalıkları department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

Learn About Çocuk Sağlığı ve Hastalıkları Department

Let us help you

You can make an appointment with our specialists or contact us for your concerns.

Book AppointmentContact Us

Related Health Topics

Other articles from the same department you may want to explore.

Regular Gynecological Check-up

Kadın Hastalıkları ve Doğum

Regular gynecological check-ups enable early diagnosis of many women's diseases and increase treatment success. It is recommended that every sexually active woman or woman over 21 see a gynecologist at least once a year.

Cervical Cancer

Kadın Hastalıkları ve Doğum

Cervical cancer develops from uncontrolled growth of cells in the cervix and is among the most common women's cancers worldwide. Precancerous lesions can be recognized with regular Pap smear and HPV testing.

HPV and Vaccination

Kadın Hastalıkları ve Doğum

HPV is a common virus transmitted sexually that can lead to certain types of cancer. Vaccination provides over 90% protection against high-risk HPV strains.

Ovarian Cyst

Kadın Hastalıkları ve Doğum

Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs that form in or on the ovarian tissue. Most are asymptomatic and disappear spontaneously; however, large or complex cysts can cause pain and complications.

Endometriosis

Kadın Hastalıkları ve Doğum

Endometriosis affects about 10% of women of reproductive age, causing cyclic pelvic pain, dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, and infertility; combined medical and laparoscopic treatment improves quality of life.

Uterine Fibroids

Kadın Hastalıkları ve Doğum

Uterine fibroids are benign tumors developing from the uterine muscle layer. They affect 20-50% of women of reproductive age; most are asymptomatic, but can cause bleeding and pain.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

Kadın Hastalıkları ve Doğum

PCOS is the most common endocrine disease affecting approximately 10% of women of reproductive age, characterized by androgen excess, ovulation disorder, and polycystic ovarian appearance.

Menopause

Kadın Hastalıkları ve Doğum

Menopause is the life stage defined by not having a period for 12 consecutive months and the natural cessation of ovarian function. The average age is 51, but it can vary between 45-55 years.

Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.