Symptoms

Asore throatis one of the most common complaints before a peritonsillar abscess forms.

More research is needed to understand these causes.

Typically, the pus is removed and antibiotics are continued for 10 to 14 days to treat your infection.

Woman with a sore throat wrapped in a blanket looking out a window

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One 2022 study of 601 people found that 68 (about 11%) experienced complications.

Inpatient care for peritonsillar abscess is less common but hospitalization may be needed.

It can co-occur with mononucleosis as well.

A healthcare provider can diagnose the condition with a physical exam and tests, including blood work or imaging.

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2019 Jun 1;145(6):530-535. doi:10.1001/jamaoto.2019.0742

Harvard Health Publishing.Peritonsillar Abscess.

2021 Dec;48(6):1120-1125. doi:10.1016/j.anl.2021.04.006