How serious is an abscess on the tonsils?
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.
Can an abscess in throat be cancer?
Peritonsillar abscess is generally seen as a complication of acute tonsillitis in young subjects. It may, however, in rare cases reveal a malignant pharyngeal tumor. We report a rare case of undifferentiated carcinoma revealed by a peritonsillar abscess in a child.
What causes abscess in back of throat?
Most peritonsillar abscesses are caused by the same bacteria that cause strep throat. Sometimes, other types of bacteria are involved. Peritonsillar abscesses usually happen as a complication of tonsillitis. If the infection breaks out of a tonsil and gets into the space around it, an abscess can form.
Is a throat abscess an emergency?
Swollen tissues can block the airway. This is a life-threatening medical emergency. The abscess can break open (rupture) into the throat. The content of the abscess can travel into the lungs and cause pneumonia.
How can I get rid of an abscess on my tonsil at home?
Tonsillitis home remedies
- drink plenty of fluids.
- get lots of rest.
- gargle with warm salt water several times a day.
- use throat lozenges.
- eat popsicles or other frozen foods.
- use a humidifier to moisten the air in your home.
- avoid smoke.
- take acetaminophen or ibuprofen to reduce pain and inflammation.
What does a throat abscess look like?
The symptoms of a peritonsillar abscess are similar to those of tonsillitis and strep throat. But with this condition you may actually be able to see the abscess toward the back of your throat. It looks like a swollen, whitish blister or boil.
Can you still get a peritonsillar abscess without tonsils?
Rarely, people can develop peritonsillar abscesses without tonsillitis. Tonsillitis is most prevalent among children, while peritonsillar abscesses are most common in young adults. These abscesses are rare after a person has had their tonsils removed, though they can still occur.
What happens if a tonsil abscess bursts?
What are the symptoms of a tonsillar abscess?
A tonsillar abscess is a collection of pus behind the tonsils. Sometimes, bacteria that infect the throat spread deep into surrounding tissues. Typical symptoms include sore throat, pain when swallowing, fever, swelling, and redness. The diagnosis is based on examination of the throat and sometimes the results of imaging studies.
What can cause an abscess in the thymus?
Abscess of thymus. An abscess of the thymus (also known as “Dubois’ abscesses”) is a condition that is one of many possible causes of cysts in the mediastinum . It can present with chest pain behind the sternum. It can be associated with congenital syphilis. Although the thymus is usually classified with the immune system,…
Where does the peritonsillar abscess form in the throat?
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.
What does it mean if you have a cyst on your tonsils?
Peritonsillar abscess If you think you have a cyst on one of your tonsils, it could be a peritonsillar abscess. A peritonsillar abscess is a bacterial infection that can form a pocket of pus near one of your tonsils. It’s often a complication of tonsillitis or mononucleosis.