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Peritonsillar Abscess Care in Gangnam, Seoul

Medically reviewed by Dr. Kim Yoo Suk, MD · Board-certified otolaryngologist · Former professor, Yonsei & Ajou University · Consultations in English

What is a peritonsillar abscess?

A peritonsillar abscess, also called quinsy, is a collection of pus in the space between the tonsil capsule and the muscles of the throat wall. It is the most common deep neck infection in adults and typically develops when tonsillitis spreads beyond the tonsil. Without treatment, swelling can extend and threaten the airway.

Symptoms

• Severe sore throat, usually much worse on one side
• Difficulty and pain when opening the mouth (trismus)
• Muffled "hot potato" voice
• Drooling or inability to swallow saliva
• Fever, ear pain on the same side, and bad breath
• The uvula pushed toward the opposite side

Causes and risk factors

The abscess usually follows a bacterial throat infection, often with mixed organisms including streptococci and anaerobic bacteria. Risk factors include recurrent tonsillitis, smoking, and delayed or incomplete treatment of a throat infection. It is more common in adolescents and young adults.

How it's diagnosed at our Gangnam clinic

An experienced ENT can often identify the abscess by examination: asymmetric swelling of the soft palate, a displaced uvula and trismus. Dr. Kim distinguishes an abscess from peritonsillar cellulitis (inflammation without a pus pocket), which is treated with medication alone. Laryngoscopy may be used to check that the swelling has not spread toward the larynx. If deeper neck spread is suspected, imaging such as CT is needed, and the patient may be referred to a hospital.

Treatment options

• Drainage: needle aspiration or a small incision to release the pus, performed under local anesthetic. This usually brings rapid relief.
• Antibiotics: covering the typical bacteria, taken for the full course.
• Pain relief and hydration: essential, since swallowing is painful. Intravenous fluids may be needed for patients who cannot drink.
• Hospital referral: for airway compromise, spread to deep neck spaces, or patients who cannot swallow at all.

After recovery, tonsillectomy may be recommended, particularly if you have had an abscess before or have a history of frequent tonsillitis. A peritonsillar abscess is one of the recognized criteria for considering tonsil removal.

When to see an ENT

This condition needs prompt care. See an ENT the same day if a sore throat becomes severe and one-sided, or if you cannot open your mouth normally. Go to an emergency room immediately if you have noisy breathing, shortness of breath, inability to swallow saliva, or neck swelling spreading quickly. Outside clinic hours (Sundays and public holidays), use a hospital emergency department.

Seeing Dr. Kim in English

When you are in pain, clear communication matters. Dr. Kim Yoo Suk explains the procedure and medications in English before starting. He is a board-certified otolaryngologist and former university professor at Yonsei and Ajou; his subspecialty is rhinology, yet acute throat infections are a core part of general ENT practice. The clinic is at Gangnam-gu Office Station Exit 3-1; see location and hours.

Frequently asked questions

Is a peritonsillar abscess an emergency?

It needs prompt medical attention, usually the same day. It becomes an emergency if you have difficulty breathing, cannot swallow saliva, or have rapidly spreading neck swelling. In those cases go directly to a hospital emergency department.

Does draining an abscess hurt?

Local anesthetic is used to numb the area. Most patients feel pressure and brief discomfort, followed by noticeable relief as the pus is released. Pain on swallowing usually improves over the following days with antibiotics and pain medication.

Will I need my tonsils removed after an abscess?

Not always. Tonsillectomy is often recommended if you have had more than one abscess or frequent tonsillitis. After a single abscess with no other history, many patients are monitored. Dr. Kim discusses the options once the acute infection has settled.

This page is general medical information written and reviewed by an ENT specialist. It is not a diagnosis. Symptoms differ between people — please see a doctor for an examination. In an emergency in Korea, call 119.