The diagnosis of Peritonsillar Abscess (PTA) typically involves a combination of physical examination and, in some cases, a diagnostic procedure.
Physical Examination Findings
A physical exam often reveals the following signs, which are characteristic of a PTA:
- Edema: Swelling of the affected tonsil.
- Erythema: Redness of the affected tonsil.
- Uvular Edema: Swelling of the uvula.
- Uvular Displacement: The uvula is often pushed toward the opposite side of the throat due to the swelling.
Diagnostic Procedure
Fine Needle Aspiration
In older or more cooperative children and adults, fine needle aspiration of the affected tonsil is a useful diagnostic tool. According to the reference, this procedure not only helps in prompt diagnosis of PTA, but can also be used to drain the abscess.
This involves:
- Inserting a small needle into the swollen area.
- Aspiration of pus, which confirms the presence of an abscess.
Table Summarizing PTA Diagnosis
| Method | Description |
|---|---|
| Physical Examination | Edema and erythema of the affected tonsil, uvular edema, and displacement. |
| Fine Needle Aspiration | Insertion of a fine needle into the affected area to aspirate pus for confirmation. |
