Peritonsillar Abscess

A peritonsillar abscess is a pocket of pus that forms next to a tonsil, usually after strep throat or tonsillitis. A peritonsillar abscess causes severe sore throat pain on one side, trouble swallowing, and a muffled voice. It needs prompt treatment.

What Is It

The infection spreads from the tonsil into the tissue around it. It is most common in teens and young adults. Untreated, the swelling can make it hard to swallow, open the mouth, or breathe.

Symptoms

Severe sore throat, worse on one side
Trouble or pain with swallowing
A muffled or hot potato voice
Trouble opening the mouth
Fever and chills
Ear pain on the same side and drooling

Not sure what it is? A sore throat with swollen tonsils on both sides may be tonsillitis. Sudden throat pain with fever may be strep throat.

Treatment

At your visit: A provider examines the throat for one sided swelling and a shifted uvula. A peritonsillar abscess needs drainage by an ear, nose, and throat specialist or emergency department, along with antibiotics.

At home:

Sip cool fluids to stay hydrated
Use over the counter pain relievers as directed
Gargle with warm salt water
Finish all antibiotics if prescribed

Most people feel much better within a few days after drainage and antibiotics.

When to Get Care for a Peritonsillar Abscess

Watch at Home

Mild sore throat on both sides that is improving
Able to swallow and drink normally

Come to Urgent Care Today

A sore throat that is much worse on one side
Sore throat that worsens after starting antibiotics
Fever with trouble swallowing
Ear pain with a one sided sore throat

Go to the Emergency Department

Unable to swallow saliva or drooling
Trouble breathing
Unable to open the mouth
Neck swelling or stiffness

FAQ

What does a peritonsillar abscess feel like?

A peritonsillar abscess feels like a severe sore throat on one side, with pain when swallowing, a muffled voice, and trouble opening the mouth.

What causes a peritonsillar abscess?

A peritonsillar abscess is caused by a bacterial infection that spreads from the tonsil into nearby tissue, often after strep throat or tonsillitis.

How is a peritonsillar abscess treated?

A peritonsillar abscess is treated by draining the pus, usually by an ear, nose, and throat specialist or emergency department, along with antibiotics.

Is a peritonsillar abscess serious?

Yes, a peritonsillar abscess is serious and needs prompt care. Without treatment, swelling can make it hard to swallow or breathe.

Can urgent care treat a peritonsillar abscess?

Urgent care can check for a peritonsillar abscess. At Vitality Urgent Care, a provider can examine the throat and explain where drainage is done. No appointment or referral is needed.

When is a peritonsillar abscess an emergency?

A peritonsillar abscess is an emergency when you cannot swallow saliva, are drooling, have trouble breathing, or cannot open your mouth.

Last reviewed October 2026