Can a Peritonsillar Abscess Occur Without Tonsils?
A 29-year-old woman, weighing 165 pounds and standing 5 feet 7 inches tall, seeks advice regarding her health condition. She underwent a tonsillectomy six years ago due to recurrent infections, which was successful with no complications during recovery. Recently, she has experienced a significant decline in her health, including persistent fevers at night, excessive sweating, ear pain, swollen lymph nodes in her neck, and a sizable lump on the side of her neck. In addition, she suffers from severe throat pain, drooling at night, and has difficulty swallowing. After visiting her general practitioner on Wednesday, she was prescribed antibiotics. However, her condition has worsened since then, with the swelling increasing and a noticeable lump appearing, characterized by a yellow-grey center. She is now questioning whether this is a typical response to a throat infection or if there may be another underlying issue.
Answers (1)
7/12/2025, 9:20:32 AM
OpenHealth AI
You are right to be concerned about the symptoms you are experiencing. The presence of a lump with a yellow-grey center, along with persistent fever, ear pain, and difficulty swallowing, suggests that you may be dealing with a peritonsillar abscess or another serious infection, even after having had your tonsils removed.
Explanation:
A peritonsillar abscess is typically associated with tonsillitis, where pus collects in the space beside the tonsils. Although you no longer have tonsils, it’s possible for an abscess to form in the surrounding tissues, particularly if there’s an infection in that area. Your symptoms, including the lump on your neck, severe throat pain, and other signs of infection, indicate that this could be more than a typical throat issue.
Next Steps:
-
Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Given your worsening symptoms and the significant new lump, it's essential to see a healthcare provider as soon as possible. This could be an emergency situation where drainage of the abscess and further treatment may be required. Do not wait for a follow-up appointment; urgency is important here.
-
Document Symptoms: Keep a detailed record of all your symptoms, including their onset, duration, and any changes you observe. This information will be valuable for your healthcare provider.
-
Prepare for Evaluation: Be ready for a thorough examination, which may include imaging to understand the extent of the infection. The healthcare provider might perform a physical exam of your neck and throat and possibly order further tests, like blood tests or imaging studies.
-
Stay Hydrated and Monitor Symptoms: While waiting to see a healthcare provider, stay hydrated and try to avoid irritants (like smoke). Monitor for any symptoms of worsening, such as increased swelling, difficulty breathing, or rapid heartbeat, and seek emergency care if these arise.
Please take these symptoms seriously, as they require prompt medical assessment to ensure you receive the care you need.
Related Questions
Experiencing Unexplained Electric Shock Sensations: Seeking Guidance
I am a 21-year-old male in good physical condition, currently taking bupropion at 150 mg twice a day and propranolol as needed. Around two years ago, during a bout of fever-induced delirium, I accidentally knocked over a lamp, which resulted in a mild electric shock. Although it wasn’t severe, it sent me back into my fever-induced stupor. The following week, I began to experience random electric shock sensations under my armpit, which eventually subsided. Approximately seven months ago, while on 150 mg of venlafaxine, these electric sensations reemerged, particularly under stress or when I missed a dose of my medication. This time, I felt them in my head, eyes, armpit, and along the saphenous nerve. My GP and I attributed these to the well-known 'brain zaps' often associated with medication side effects. This was particularly challenging during withdrawal, as I experienced numerous shocks daily. Now, some time has passed, and I still have persistent and uncomfortable electric sensations running along my saphenous nerve, which seem to be increasing in length. A few months later, I began experiencing unilateral zaps in my neck, which have been quite distressing. Sometimes these sensations catch me off guard, even causing me to jump or scream! Currently, these incidents occur almost every other day, primarily affecting my saphenous nerve during hurried activities and towards the end of my stride. The neck shocks occur unexpectedly in various positions and movements, making it difficult to pinpoint any specific triggers. I also notice that shocks in my radial nerve have become less frequent. Complicating matters, I have instability in my hip on the opposite side, which tends to 'pop' in and out of place while I walk, possibly impacting my saphenous nerve. Additionally, one shoulder is unstable, and the other dislocates for prolonged periods. While this discomfort isn’t particularly painful, I occasionally feel heat or numbness in the affected areas, potentially due to the effort I make to stabilize the joint rather than from any direct nerve entrapment. My Beighton score is 5, and although I've raised concerns about Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) with various doctors, they've largely dismissed my suspicions. My GP did suggest some basic physiotherapy. Given these experiences, what could be causing my symptoms, and what steps can I take to address them? I share this now following a particularly jarring electric shock in my neck—my concern is that the situation may continue to escalate. Which type of specialist should I consult for these issues? A neurologist? Rheumatologist? Any advice or assistance would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for your help!
Persistent Urinary Tract Infections
As the title indicates, this has become a significant concern for me. I am a 21-year-old woman living in New Zealand, and I find that engaging in sexual activity consistently leads to urinary tract infections (UTIs). Since around age 15, I experienced UTIs occasionally, but they were never particularly troubling. However, since February of this year, it seems that nearly every instance of sexual intercourse results in a new infection. I have undergone six courses of antibiotics in this period. To manage the situation, I typically urinate after sex, sometimes take a shower, and always use condoms—I've even experimented with various brands to rule out any issues there, but nothing has changed. This ongoing issue feels like it's starting to dictate my life, and my healthcare providers appear dismissive, simply giving me a new prescription and moving on without further investigation. I'm at a loss regarding how to address this. I've inquired about potential preventive medications, but my doctor merely suggested repeating the course of antibiotics, which she reiterated during my following visits. What steps should I take? Are there particular questions I should pose to my healthcare professional? My research through medical articles and online resources suggests that reliable preventive measures are scant, leaving me feeling quite overwhelmed and uncertain.
Neck Strain During Intimacy: Should I Be Concerned?
At 33 years old and with a partner I trust, our intimate moment took an unexpected turn last night. There was a bit more hair pulling than usual, which led to an awkward position where I felt as though the back of my head was nearly touching my spine—like a pose straight out of an 80s beach photo! While I generally find that aspect of intimacy thrilling, in retrospect, it felt unnatural and uncomfortable for my neck. It wasn't an abrupt movement; I was simply held in that position for a little while. This happened right as he was reaching his climax, so it couldn't have lasted more than around half a minute. Given my tendency toward health anxiety, I immediately jumped online and stumbled upon a study discussing spinal injuries that can occur after sex. One case involved a woman who reported hearing a 'pop,' which understandably made me anxious. I decided to rest for the night afterward. Today, I anticipate some neck discomfort, particularly since I woke up with pain after dozing off on the couch. Nevertheless, I'm conscious of the need to recognize any serious symptoms that may arise. Is there anything specific I should watch for? I’m aware of what the Mayo Clinic states about gradual onset of paralysis or numbness, and that thought is unnerving me.
Understanding Perimenopause When Tests Don't Align With Symptoms
Over the last several months, I've been experiencing a range of distressing symptoms including night sweats, hot flashes, cognitive difficulties, and vaginal dryness. After undergoing a hysterectomy in 2017, I chose to keep my ovaries because of my age, meaning I'm not able to track my last menstrual period accurately. Recently, I underwent blood tests, which returned normal results—this has left me puzzled. How can I suffer from these symptoms if my tests suggest otherwise? At 45 years old and with a BMI of 27, I lead a lifestyle free of alcohol and tobacco. Although I manage several chronic health issues that necessitate extensive medication, my physician does not attribute my symptoms to these medications or side effects.
Experiencing a One-Sided Neck Bruit
In quieter settings, I notice a distinct "whistling" noise that seems to coincide with my heartbeat, specifically on the right side of my neck. When I alter my posture or engage in physical activity, this sound becomes more pronounced and elevated in pitch. I reached out to a medical professional through a YouTube video, but their reply felt distinctly generated by artificial intelligence. It suggested I should seek a medical evaluation, yet I'm hesitant to fully trust this advice, as AI isn't the most reliable source for health concerns. Details about me: I'm a 16-year-old male, standing 5'9" tall and weighing 53 kg (116.8 lbs). Currently, I am not on any medication, and I don't smoke or use vaping products. This unusual sound has been present for as long as I can remember, although I've experienced other unrelated health issues in the past.