ear, nose, and throat disorders
Tonsillar Cellulitis and Tonsillar Abscess
Treatment of Tonsillar Cellulitis and Abscess
Antibiotics Drainage of pus Sometimes tonsillectomy To treat tonsillar cellulitis or tonsillar abscess, doctors give antibiotics, such as penicillin orclindamycin, by vein. If no abscess is present,the antibiotic usually starts to clear the infection within 48 hours. If a peritonsillar abscess is present,a doctor must insert a needle in it or cut into it to drain the pus. The area is first numbed with an anesthetic spray or injection. Treatment with antibiotics is continued by mouth or by vein. Peritonsillar abscesses tend to recur. Recurrences can be prevented by removing the tonsils ( Tonsillectomy ), which is usually performed 4 to 6 weeks after the infection has subsided or earlier if the infection is not controlled with antibiotics. If a parapharyngeal abscess is present,surgery is usually done to drain pus. 