Maryland General Logo
 
spacer

  home button seperater Medical Services Button seperater seperater seperater seperater

 

Home > Medical Reference > Encyclopedia (English)

Toggle: English / Spanish

Services at Maryland General

A complete list of inpatient and outpatient healthcare services at MGH.

Peritonsillar abscess - Overview

Alternative Names

Quinsy; Abscess - peritonsillar

Definition of Peritonsillar abscess:

Peritonsillar abscess is a collection of infected material in the area around the tonsils.

See also:

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Peritonsillar abscess is a complication of tonsillitis. It is most often caused by a type of bacteria called group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus.

Peritonsillar abscess is usually a disease of older children, adolescents, and young adults. It has become uncommon with the use of antibiotics to treat tonsillitis.

  • Reviewed last on: 11/23/2010
  • Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of Medicine; and Seth Schwartz, MD, MPH, Otolaryngologist, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, Washington. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Shirley WP, Woolley AL, Wiatrak BJ. Pharyngitis and adenotonsillar disease. In: Cummings CW, Flint PW, Haughey BH, et al, eds. Otolaryngology: Head & Neck Surgery. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier;2010:chap 196.

Melio FR. Upper respiratory tract infections. In: Marx JA, Hockberger RS, Wallis RM, et al, eds. Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 7th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier;2009:chap 73.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
adam.com
 
 
 
Physician Directory
seperater
Physician Specialties
seperater
Medical Glossary
seperater
Guide for Patients
seperater
Guide for Visitors
seperater
 
   
 

About Us    ·     Contact Us     ·     Phone Listing     ·     Residency Programs     ·     Site Map     ·     Site Search     ·     Links     ·     FAQs

© 2008 Maryland General Hospital, All Rights Reserved   ·   827 Linden Avenue,   Baltimore, MD 21201   ·   410-225-8000
Commitment to Compliance   ·   Privacy Policy   ·   Terms and Conditions of Use   ·   Disclaimer   ·   JCAHO Public Notice