Table 3 Characteristics of patients (n = 12) with peritonsillar abscess (PTA) and upper airway obstruction

Males

7 (58%)

Children (< 16 years)

5 (42%)

Infectious mononucleosis

2 (17%)

Duration of admission (mean days)

Site of obstruction

 Oropharynx

10 (83%)

 Hypopharynx/larynx

2 (17%)

Airway management

 Intubation

2 (17%)

 Acute tracheotomy

2 (17%)

Surgical treatment

 Acute tonsillectomy

8 (67%)

 Incision and drainage

3 (25%)

Bacterial findings in PTA cultures (n = 7)

 Streptococcus Group A

2 (29%)

 Streptococcus Group C/G

2 (29%)

 Viridans group streptococci

2 (29%)

 H. influenzae

1 (14%)