Treatment:

If the infection is caught early, you will be given antibiotics. More likely, if an abscess has developed, it will need to be drained with a needle or by cutting it open.

Sometimes, the abscess may be drained and the tonsils removed at the same time. You will be prescribed painkillers.

Expectations (prognosis):

Peritonsillar abscess usually goes away with treatment, although the infection may return in the future.

Complications:

• Airway obstruction
• Cellulitis of the jaw, neck, or chest
• Endocarditis (rare)
• Fluid around the lungs (pleural effusion)
• Inflammation around the heart (pericarditis)
• Pneumonia

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if you have had tonsillitis and you develop symptoms of peritonsillar abscess.

Call your health care provider if you have:

• Difficulty breathing
• Difficulty swallowing
• Pain in the chest
• Persistent fever
• Symptoms that get worse