Paratonsilar abscess is an acute inflammatory process that is a consequence of chronic tonsillitis and prolonged angina.
Types
The abscess can be unilateral or bilateral.
According to the location in the oral cavity , the abscess is divided into the following forms:
the posterior form of manifestation (between the palatopharyngeal arch and the amygdala). Inflammation often affects the laryngeal region, which narrows the laryngeal lumen and causes breathing difficulties.
the lower form of manifestation (the lower part of the amygdala). It is usually observed as a result of eruption of wisdom teeth, the development of caries or other dental diseases.
anterior form of manifestation of the disease (between the palatine-lingual arch and the upper part of the amygdala). The most common form. With her, the palate swells and protrudes somewhat forward. After a few days, a focus of yellowish inflammation appears. The abscess can open on its own.
Reasons
Staphylococcal or streptococcal infection, which, when ingested, provokes inflammation. Most often pathogenic bacteria enter the body in a tonsillogenic way. This is facilitated by an increased degree of softness of fiber compared to various areas.
Inflammatory reactions occurring in the gums during teething, including during the eruption of the wisdom tooth.
Lowering of the body’s natural immune system: metabolic failures, as a result of stress, hypothermia or overheating, taking certain medications, as a result of past illnesses.
Symptoms
In a few days, the following symptoms appear:
sore throat when trying to swallow food;
weakness, malaise, headaches, fever, chills, body temperature rises to 40 ° C;
swelling of the tongue, enlarged lymph nodes;
bad breath;
redness of the tonsils.
Most often, the pain is strong and acute, and it manifests itself in a calm state, intensifying at the slightest movement. Therefore, it is difficult for the patient not to open his mouth, eating is usually impossible.
Diagnostics
The doctor diagnoses the disease with a visual examination of the oral cavity and pharynx and based on the patient’s complaints. On examination, there is a sharp increase in the upper pole of the amygdala, the surface of which is loose and swollen.
Treatment
It comes down to the 3 main ways:
surgical intervention;
conservative treatment brings the effect used at the beginning of the course of the disease. At the same time, a specialist doctor can prescribe antibacterial drugs, taking vitamin complexes to increase the protective functions of the body, rinsing with antiseptic solutions;
complex.
If an abscess is detected at later stages, conservative treatment is not enough, so the ulcers are opened surgically with further suction of the purulent infiltrate.
For the prevention of the disease, it is recommended:
general hardening of the body;
outdoor walks;
sports, especially water sports;
disinfection of the mouth and nose area;
daily cleaning of teeth, treatment of caries and other dental diseases that contribute to the spread of pathogens.
