[Treatment of peritonsillar abscess]

Abstract

Peritonsillar abscess (PTA) is associated with high morbidity and can cause serious and life-threatening complications. In Denmark, the most commonly isolated bacteria are Fusobacterium necrophorum and Streptococcus pyogenes gr. A. The incidence of PTA in Denmark is 41/100,000/year, the highest incidence ever reported for PTA. There is no definite consensus on the treatment. We recommend most patients treated with puncture and antibiotics as outpatients, and if necessary acute tonsillectomy instead of interval tonsillectomy. Steroids may be of value.