From the Guidelines
Peritonsillar abscess patient education should focus on pain management, hydration, and follow-up care to prevent recurrence or spread of infection to surrounding tissues. After treatment, it's essential to complete the entire course of antibiotics, typically amoxicillin-clavulanate (Augmentin) 875/125 mg twice daily for 10-14 days or clindamycin 300 mg four times daily if allergic to penicillin 1.
- Take pain medication as prescribed, usually acetaminophen or ibuprofen, and use warm salt water gargles (1/2 teaspoon salt in 8 ounces warm water) every 2-3 hours to reduce pain and inflammation.
- Stay hydrated with cool, non-acidic liquids and eat soft foods until swallowing improves.
- Rest your voice and avoid smoking or alcohol, which can irritate your throat.
- Watch for warning signs requiring immediate medical attention: increasing difficulty breathing or swallowing, fever above 101°F after 48 hours of antibiotics, spreading neck pain, or increasing throat pain. Some key points to consider for patient education include:
- Pain after tonsillectomy on average lasts 7-10 days but can last as long as 2 weeks 1.
- The use of ibuprofen or acetaminophen for pain control after tonsillectomy is recommended 1.
- Education on the assessment of pain is important and may improve compliance with medication administration 1.
- Nonpharmacologic interventions, such as distraction, relaxation, and cold or heat application, can supplement pharmacologic agents for posttonsillectomy pain management 1. Follow up with your healthcare provider as scheduled, typically within 1-2 weeks. The abscess formed because bacteria, usually streptococcus, created an infection that your body walled off with pus. Complete treatment is essential to prevent recurrence or spread of infection to surrounding tissues.
From the Research
Patient Education for Peritonsillar Abscess
Patient education for peritonsillar abscess should include information on the diagnosis, treatment, and management of the condition. The following points should be considered:
- The condition is typically caused by a combination of aerobic and anaerobic bacteria 2
- Symptoms include fever, throat pain, and trismus 2
- Diagnosis can be confirmed using ultrasonography, computed tomographic scanning, or needle aspiration 2, 3
- Treatment options include needle aspiration, incision and drainage, or immediate tonsillectomy, depending on the severity of the condition 2, 3, 4
- Antibiotic therapy, such as penicillin, clindamycin, cephalosporins, or metronidazole, is usually necessary 2, 5
- In some cases, the use of intravenous steroids may be beneficial in reducing symptoms 3
- Patients should be advised to seek medical attention if they experience severe symptoms, such as difficulty swallowing or breathing, or if their condition worsens despite treatment
Management and Treatment
The management and treatment of peritonsillar abscess should be individualized based on the severity of the condition and the patient's overall health. The following points should be considered:
- Early administration of amoxicillin-clavulanic acid may help prevent the development of an abscess in patients with unilateral peritonsillar swelling and trismus 6
- Immediate tonsillectomy may be considered as a first-line treatment for peritonsillar abscess, particularly in cases where the patient has a history of previous tonsillar infections or if the abscess is large or recurrent 4
- Patients should be advised to follow their treatment plan and attend follow-up appointments to ensure that the condition is properly managed and to prevent complications
Follow-up Care
Follow-up care is essential to ensure that the peritonsillar abscess is properly managed and to prevent complications. The following points should be considered:
- Patients should be advised to attend follow-up appointments to monitor their condition and adjust their treatment plan as needed
- Patients should be instructed on how to manage their symptoms, such as pain and fever, and when to seek medical attention if their condition worsens
- Patients should be advised to complete their full course of antibiotic therapy, even if their symptoms improve before finishing the medication 2, 5, 4