A clinical and epidemiological study on peritonsillar abscess in tertiary health center

Abstract

Background: Peritonsillar abscesses (PTA) are the most common deep neck space infection and are a common complication of tonsillitis with variable sequelae. Objective: To evaluate 22 cases of PTA cases observed at the SS Medical College and GM Hospital, Rewa. Materials and Methods: The present study was done on 22 patients of PTA who presented to the SS Medical College and GM Hospital, Rewa from August 2012 to August 2013. Results: The most common age group was found to be 11-20 years with age ranging from 12 to 55 years. Males (14 cases) were found to be predominant. The right side involvement was seen in the majority of cases. One case of the bilateral peritonsillar abscess was found. The majority of patients presented with odynophagia and dysphagia. The appropriate antibiotic therapy must be initiated after aspiration of the abscess. Treatment included mainly incision/drainage in 11 cases, needle aspiration in 4 cases, quinsy tonsillectomy in 1 case, and conservative treatment was done in 6 cases. Conclusion: The need of hour is to diagnose the cases of peritonsillar abscess earlier and to intervene thereafter. The early diagnosis and recognition of the abscess help in appropriate treatment to begin before the involvement of surrounding anatomic structures.