Peritonsillar abscess (PTA) in children.

1. PTA is more common in young adults, but does occur in young children. The average age in this present series was 8 years. 2. Children with progressive sore throat, sometimes despite antibiotics, should cause suspicion of a PTA. Edema and erythema of the affected tonsil with edema of the uvula and displacement toward the opposite side are classically seen. 3. In older or more cooperative children, fine needle aspiration of the affected tonsil allows prompt diagnosis of PTA. 4. Antibiotic therapy should consist of a cephalosporin owing to high tissue concentration within the inflamed peritonsillar tissue. 5. Definitive treatment is a Quinsy tonsillectomy. Immediate tonsillectomy not only drains the abscess, but also eliminates the potential for an occult inferior pole or contralateral abscess. It also spares the child a future hospitalization and surgical procedure.