DOI: 10.21276/sasjm.2017.3.12.6

Pages: 339-342

Peritonsillar abscess is the most common deep infection of the head and neck in adults, despite the widespread use of antibiotics for treating tonsillitis and pharyngitis. Although gram-positive bacteria are the most common causative microorganisms in peritonsillar abscess, gram-negative anaerobic bacteria have also been produced in cultures. Severe pain, including odynophagia and trismus, remains a common and troubling clinical symptom. The treatment of peritonsillar abcsess requires both the selection of an appropriate antibiotic and an effective procedure to remove the abscess formation. In this review, peritonsillar abscess clinic and treatment options are discussed in the light of current literature