What is the typical treatment for a peritonsillar abscess?

The typical treatment for a peritonsillar abscess involves the use of antibiotics alongside procedures such as aspiration or incision and drainage. This approach is crucial because a peritonsillar abscess is a collection of pus that forms in the tissue around the tonsil, often resulting from bacterial infections.

Antibiotics help to combat the underlying infection, while aspiration or incision and drainage provide immediate relief by removing the pus that causes pain and difficulty swallowing. This dual strategy addresses both the infection and the physical obstruction caused by the abscess, enabling faster recovery.

Other treatment options, such as antihistamines and warm compresses, do not effectively resolve the abscess or address the infectious process. Corticosteroids may help reduce inflammation but do not treat the infection or abscess itself. Observation and rest alone would not be sufficient, as the abscess could continue to enlarge and lead to complications if left untreated. Thus, appropriate management combining antibiotics with drainage remains the standard for treating a peritonsillar abscess.