Anyone Ever Heard Of...

I am a graduate nurse, so I'm no pro. Most of this you probably already know. But I can tell you that Peritonsilar abscess are associated with tonisilitis and are usually caused by infectious organisms. Therefore this is initially treated with antibiotics and resolved. However, in severe cases, there is now fine needle aspiration in which a small needle drains the abscess. If this is ineffective, there is the incision and drainage method and then the tonsilectomy. You do need to know that these abscesses can spontaneously rupture so need to be treated promptly. In regards to occurance, they are the result of infection which may reoccur. The peak incidence is 4-7 years and begins to fade after the normal shrinkage of tissues in this area occurs. Hydration is the key to help prevent reoccurance and help the healing process. As a nurse, I can give you all the facts. As a mom, I can tell you that all the facts disappear in the face of your child's pain. So I can tell you that there IS a solution and the two of you will make it through. MY BEST WISHES. I hope this helps some.

I had this as a child ~8 yrs old. From the kids point of view, it's VERY uncomfortable and makes life miserable. Sit down with your doc and talk about aggressive treatment (these type of abscesses are antibiotic resistant) and also ask to test your son's immune reactions. I remember very clearly that they attempted twice to drain mine before finally going with surgery. Please - don't put your son through the drainage procedure. These type of abscesses are rare in small children and usually indicate an immuno suppression issue. Good luck.

B., sorry to hear about your little one. Did your predi suggest a Tonsillectomy? It sounds like it may offer a solution to the reacoureneces. Best of luck. I know how hard it is to see your child hurt. K

I haven't heard of that but my 2 1/2 year old just had her tonsilles out 2 weeks ago along with adnoids and ear tubes. It isn't a bad surgery at all. She was great for day 1 and 2 then down for days 3-7 then no pain meds after day 7 and is back to her normal self. Tomorrow is 14 days post op. Hope that can atleast be an encouragement.