{"id":5783,"date":"2019-04-23T10:27:20","date_gmt":"2019-04-23T10:27:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.io\/?p=5783"},"modified":"2021-06-04T20:21:37","modified_gmt":"2021-06-04T20:21:37","slug":"14-most-common-symptoms-of-peritonsillar-abscess","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.io\/14-most-common-symptoms-of-peritonsillar-abscess\/","title":{"rendered":"14 Most Common Symptoms of Peritonsillar Abscess"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Peritonsillar abscess occurs when pus collects around the tonsils. This pus forms within the tissues and then collects there instead of draining. A peritonsillar abscess can be caused by many different things, but most often as a result of some type of infection such as strep throat. Peritonsillar abscesses can be quite painful. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

They can also make it difficult to swallow. If you are experiencing a peritonsillar abscess it is important to go to your doctor right away. You need to take some antibiotics in order to help your body fight off the infection. In addition, if the abscess is not draining, your doctor may use a needle to drain the abscess and provide you with some relief from the pain. Here are some common symptoms of a peritonsillar abscess to consider so that you know when to get treatment so that you recover more quickly. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Sore Throat<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

One of the most common complaints that precede a peritonsillar abscess<\/a> is a sore throat. In some cases, a culture or rapid strep test will not catch strep throat. When strep throat is not caught early it can become worse. When this happens it is more likely that a person will develop a peritonsillar abscess. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you have had a persistent sore throat and the strep test came back negative, but the sore throat is not getting any better, make sure that you talk to your doctor about your symptoms. Your doctor should check your tonsils and note if they are swollen and red. If this is the case, they may test for a peritonsillar abscess. Antibiotics can be prescribed in order to help your body fight off the infection. In addition, if the abscess is severe, the doctor can drain it in order to provide you with some relief. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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2. Fever<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

There are many reasons that a person may develop a fever<\/a>. Often times a fever is the first line of defense the body has in order to fight off an infection. If a person has a severe sore throat and begins running a fever, there is a chance that they have been infected by streptococcus. This may turn into strep throat or a person may develop a peritonsillar abscess. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Any fever over 101 degrees F is a sign that there is an infection beginning in the body. Sweating and chills will often accompany a fever. In small children, it is important to try to keep the fever down. A high fever can cause the child to start convulsing. Fever reducing medications can help to bring the fever down and keep the child more comfortable. A lukewarm bath and cold water to drink can also help lower the body temperature. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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3. Nausea and Vomiting<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When it comes to symptoms of an infection, nausea, and vomiting <\/a>are quite common. In fact, nausea and vomiting can be caused by any number of bacteria or viruses. Some people who develop a peritonsillar abscess also start to have other non-specific symptoms such as nausea and vomiting. This may be caused by running a high fever. Using a fever-reducing medication can help to bring the fever down and may help with the feelings of nausea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you are feeling nauseous and\/or vomiting, it is important to make sure that you try to drink as much fluid as possible in order to stay hydrated. Try sticking to a diet of bananas, applesauce, rice, and toast and avoid any dairy or foods that are high in acid. Staying hydrated when you are ill is very important as dehydration can lead to numerous health risks, some of which can be quite detrimental. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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4. Scratchy Voice<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When a person develops a peritonsillar abscess, it can make it difficult to do anything that requires the voice. The reason for this is because the tonsils <\/a>become swollen and filled with fluid. This can block the back of the throat. At times, the lining of the esophagus can become infected with the bacteria as well. This infection can also lead to the vocal cords becoming swollen. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When the vocal cords are infected they may not work properly, which in turn can make it difficult to talk. When a person has a peritonsillar abscess their voice may become scratchy. It can sound rough and is sometimes referred to as having a hot potato voice. This is because the voice is a bit like a scratch. People who have a peritonsillar abscess should rest their voice as much as possible. Avoid talking when you can and let your throat heal naturally. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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5. Drooling<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When a person is suffering from a peritonsillar abscess it can become difficult to swallow. The tonsils become swollen and this can block the throat. When this happens swallowing anything is hard, this includes swallowing your own saliva. Since it can be difficult to swallow your saliva<\/a>, drooling may occur. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another reason that a person may drool when they are suffering from a peritonsillar abscess is because the body may produce more saliva than normal. The body produces more saliva as a defense mechanism to try to get rid of the bacteria that is causing the infection. If you notice that you are drooling a lot and you are suffering from a sore throat and some of the other symptoms on this list, it is important to go to a doctor right away to find out what the underlying cause of the symptoms are so that proper treatment can be provided. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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6. Halitosis<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Halitosis <\/a>is a medical term that refers to bad breath. When your tonsils are infected with bacteria it can cause you to develop very bad breath. In fact, your breath may be so bad that your mouth tastes bad. This symptom can be quite embarrassing as you may not want to be around others for fear they are going to smell your breath and how bad it is. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In addition, you may not want to talk because your throat is very sore and you simply do not feel well. If you notice that your breath smells worse than normal and no matter what you do you cannot get rid of the bad breath, seeing a doctor is important. While bad breath is not the only symptom of a peritonsillar abscess, it is one of them and worth noting. Bad breath can also be a sign that something else is wrong, which is why seeking medical attention is important. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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7. Ear Pain<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When a person has developed a peritonsillar abscess it can cause other symptoms in other areas of the body as well. Since the eyes, ears, nose, and throat are all connected, it goes without saying that when your throat is sore and infected it can affect your nose and your ears as well. It may seem like there is pressure built up within the ears. You may notice that your ears feel full. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You may also struggle with hearing as your ears may become clogged. The popping of the ears may occur during this time as well. One of the best things that you can do when you are suffering from a sore throat<\/a> s to make sure that you are getting enough rest. It is also important to eat healthy foods that can help your body fight off the infection. It is important to go to the doctor to make sure that an ear infection has not developed as well. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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8. Painful and Difficulty Swallowing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

It only makes sense that when your throat <\/a>is sore it can be quite painful to try to swallow anything. In fact, it may be quite difficult to swallow if the peritonsillar abscess becomes quite large. If you are having difficulty swallowing and have some of the other symptoms on this list it is important to seek medical attention right away. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When it is hard to swallow there is a good chance that you are going to not want to eat or drink very much. When you are not eating or drinking enough your body can quickly become dehydrated. Dehydration can be quite problematic as it can cause numerous other health issues. It is important that your body has enough fluids to function properly. This is why it is important to get a proper diagnosis right away so that treatment can be started and the healing can begin. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\r\n

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