Paratonzillary abscess

Content:

Paratonzillary abscess is an acute inflammation of the perioindial tissue. Other well-known names for this disease are phlegmonous sore throat or paratonsillitis. Most often, this pathological process is a complication of sore throat or tonsillitis.

Types of paratonsillar abscess

Depending on the location and size of the inflammatory focus, there is a unilateral and bilateral paratonsillar abscess. Other species:

Upper form of paratonsillar abscess. Most often, the inflammatory process is localized between the upper part of the amygdala and the palatine-arc. Such abscesses occur due to insufficient drainage of this part of the amygdala, but they can be opened without surgical intervention.
The lower form of paratonsillar abscess is localized in the region of the lower pole of the amygdala and occurs most often when improperly erupting a wisdom tooth or other dental diseases.
The posterior form of the abscess is characterized by the location of the pathological focus in the area between the amygdala and the palatine pharyngeal arch. This type of peritonsillar abscess is the most dangerous, because very often the inflammatory process captures the larynx, significantly narrowing it and making it difficult to breathe.
The most rare is the external form of paratonsillar abscess. In this form, the inflammatory process is located outside the tonsil.

The causes of the disease

The causes of inflammation of the circumferential fiber can be:

Streptococcal and staphylococcal infections, as well as other pathogens and bacteria.
As a complication of injury to the tissues of the pharynx.
Breach of teething.

Factors contributing to the development of the disease, most often are:

a decrease in the protective function of the immune system;
frequent colds;
metabolic disease;
frequent stress;
hypothermia;
taking some medication.

Symptoms of peritonsillar abscess

Most often, the development of an abscess is preceded by inflammation of the tonsils ( tonsillitis ), after which scars are formed that disrupt the outflow of pus and contribute to the penetration of the infection into the near-almond tissue. Before there are signs of an abscess, the patient will feel symptoms of general malaise:

fever;
weakness;
headache;
violation of fonatsii;
sleep disturbance and nervous tension;
swelling, redness and tenderness of the tonsils;
sore throat when swallowing, radiating to the ear and teeth, which is more acute;
the increase and pain of regional lymph nodes;
difficulty breathing and passing food.

Treatment of peritonsillar abscess

Depending on the form and severity of the disease, the treatment of paratonsillar abscess is carried out using several methods:

Conservative treatment - the use of drugs of local and general effect, physiotherapy. Effective in the early detection of inflammatory disease of the tonsils.
Surgical treatment - is a radical method of treatment, which involves the removal of damaged tissue.
Comprehensive treatment is the most effective treatment method, which is based on a competent combination of different treatment methods.

Conservative treatment is indicated at the initial stage of the disease. The doctor will prescribe the necessary medical course of therapy, which consists of the following drugs:

Antibacterial drugs are the No. 1 remedy for the treatment of paratonsillar abscess. As practice shows, the most effective drug in this group is amoxicillin , which has a pronounced antibacterial effect against gram-positive and gram-negative microorganisms.
Cephalosporin antibiotics are alternative drugs for the treatment of peritonsillitis.
Also shown the use of immunomodulatory drugs, vitamins.
For the purpose of local anesthesia prescribed drugs, which include anesthetics.
With severe intoxication, it is possible to administer intravenous drugs.

To achieve a rapid therapeutic effect, you can use a combination of drug and local therapy. Gargling with an infusion of herbs, antibacterial solutions and the use of antibacterial sprays can quickly alleviate the patient's condition. Symptomatic treatment is indicated for high body temperature.

With the ineffectiveness of conservative treatment, the attending physician will raise the issue of surgery (puncture, autopsy, removal of the tonsil). Do not be afraid of such a prognosis, because very often the radical method of treatment leads to rapid recovery and the absence of relapses.

Medical prognosis and possible complications

Paratonsillary abscess responds well to treatment, provided that the recommendations of the attending physician are strictly followed and early diagnosed. Otherwise, an abscess may be complicated by phlegmon of the pharyngeal space. The patient's condition worsens dramatically, the pain and swelling completely disrupt the function of swallowing food and breathing. In the absence of adequate treatment, the inflammatory process can develop into a purulent mediastinitis, up to infectious-toxic shock. When the first warning signs appear, it is recommended to seek help from a medical institution.

Prevention

The basis for the prevention of the disease is a timely visit to the doctor, treatment of foci of chronic infection, rehabilitation of the oral and nasal cavities, strengthening the immune system, hardening, nutrition and sports. Early diagnosis and timely treatment give a chance for a complete and rapid recovery.

Tonsillitis: symptoms, treatment

| 26 December 2014 | | 1 510 | ENT diseases