From tonsillitis to peritonsillar abscess

Acute tonsillitis is a common disease. The tonsillar infection can be uni- or bilateral with a high rate of spontaneous recovery. In some cases, a peritonsillar cellulitis or abscess can occur, characterized by an inflammatory reaction of the peritonsillar space. The red flags consist of a gradually worsening odynodysphagia, an ipsilateral swelling of the soft palate, a trismus (infrequent in children) and in some cases a change of voice (« hot potato voice »). A needle puncture of the swollen soft palate is then required. If pus is found, a surgical drainage by either hot tonsillectomy or incision under local anesthesia with an appropriate antibiotic therapy must be carried out.