Abstract
Peritonsillar abscess is the most common deep infection of the head and neck in young adults. It is considered a purulent complication of acute tonsillitis, but other mechanisms have been proposed. There is no consensus as to whether seasonality affects peritonsillar abscess incidence. This observational, descriptive, retrospective study explored the epidemiology of peritonsillar abscess and its relationship with seasonality. The cases were selected from the emergency otolaryngology service of a tertiary hospital. The sample comprised 528 patients (42.61 per cent males, mean age = 26.63 years). A moderate positive correlation was found between peritonsillar abscess incidence and monthly average temperature. No associations were found with insolation, precipitation or humidity. In this sample, peritonsillar abscess was more likely to occur in warmer months. The findings corroborate the theory that peritonsillar abscess is not a direct complication of acute tonsillitis and may improve understanding of peritonsillar abscess aetiology.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
