PERITONSILLAR ABSCESS Meaning and
Definition
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A peritonsillar abscess is a localized collection of pus that forms in the tissues surrounding the tonsils. It typically occurs as a complication of tonsillitis, which is an inflammation of the tonsils caused by a bacterial or viral infection. The abscess develops when the infection spreads beyond the tonsils and affects the surrounding area.
Symptoms of a peritonsillar abscess often include severe throat pain, difficulty swallowing, earache on the same side as the abscess, fever, and general malaise. The affected area may appear swollen and red, and there might be visible white or yellow pus. In more severe cases, the abscess can cause significant difficulty in breathing and may require immediate medical attention.
The condition is usually diagnosed by examining the throat and determining the presence of an abscess using physical observation and palpation. Sometimes, imaging tests like CT scans or ultrasound are performed to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other potential causes.
Treatment for a peritonsillar abscess typically involves drainage of the pus buildup. This is generally done by an ENT specialist who will use a needle or make a small incision to remove the pus. Antibiotics are often prescribed to treat the underlying infection and prevent it from spreading further.
If left untreated, a peritonsillar abscess can lead to serious complications such as the spread of infection to surrounding tissues or the bloodstream. Therefore, prompt medical attention is necessary to prevent potential complications and to alleviate the discomfort experienced by the individual.
Common Misspellings for PERITONSILLAR ABSCESS
- oeritonsillar abscess
- leritonsillar abscess
- -eritonsillar abscess
- 0eritonsillar abscess
- pwritonsillar abscess
- psritonsillar abscess
- pdritonsillar abscess
- prritonsillar abscess
- p4ritonsillar abscess
- p3ritonsillar abscess
- peeitonsillar abscess
- peditonsillar abscess
- pefitonsillar abscess
- petitonsillar abscess
- pe5itonsillar abscess
- pe4itonsillar abscess
- perutonsillar abscess
- perjtonsillar abscess
- perktonsillar abscess
Etymology of PERITONSILLAR ABSCESS
The word peritonsillar is derived from Latin roots. Peri- means around or surrounding, and tonsillar refers to the tonsils. Together, peritonsillar means around the tonsils.
Abscess comes from the Latin word abscessus, which means a going away or an abscess. It was later borrowed into Late Latin and then into English.
Therefore, the etymology of peritonsillar abscess can be understood as an abscess that forms around the tonsils.
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