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What would cause an abscess in your throat?

Author

Rachel Hernandez

Published Jun 17, 2026

What would cause an abscess in your throat?

Peritonsillar abscesses are usually caused by a bacterial infection. The bacteria are usually either Streptococci (strep throat, most common) or Staphylococci. Peritonsillar abscess is most commonly seen to occur as a complication of tonsillitis (untreated or chronic).

How serious is an abscess in throat?

The abscess can cause pain, swelling, and, if severe, blockage of the throat. If the throat is blocked, swallowing, speaking, and even breathing become difficult. When an infection of the tonsils (known as tonsillitis) spreads and causes infection in the soft tissues, a peritonsillar abscess may result.

Is abscess in throat contagious?

Share on Pinterest Tonsillitis itself is not contagious, but the viruses and bacteria that cause it are. Tonsillitis is the body’s inflammatory response to an infection of the tonsils. Tonsillitis itself is, therefore, not contagious. The viruses and bacteria that cause tonsillitis, however, are contagious.

Is a throat abscess an emergency?

Swollen tissues can block the airway. This is a life-threatening medical emergency. The abscess can break open (rupture) into the throat. The content of the abscess can travel into the lungs and cause pneumonia.

Will throat abscess go away antibiotics?

You will probably only need surgery if you have had many tonsil infections or abscesses before. Your pain and symptoms should get better after the pus is drained. Your doctor will likely prescribe antibiotics to make sure the infection goes away completely. He or she may also give you medicine to help relieve the pain.

What does Quinsy feel like?

Signs and symptoms a severe and quickly worsening sore throat, usually on one side. swelling inside the mouth and throat. difficulty opening your mouth. pain when swallowing.

When I squeeze my tonsils pus comes out?

Tonsillar cellulitis is a bacterial infection of the tissues around the tonsils. A tonsillar abscess is a collection of pus behind the tonsils. Sometimes, bacteria that infect the throat spread deep into surrounding tissues. Typical symptoms include sore throat, pain when swallowing, fever, swelling, and redness.

What is an abscess in the throat called?

An abscess in your throat is a collection (or pocket) of pus in the space (peritonsillar space) that lies between each tonsil and wall of the throat. Medically, it is known as peritonsillar abscess or quinsy.

What does it mean when you have pus in your throat?

An abscess in your throat is a collection (or pocket) of pus in the space (peritonsillar space) that lies between each tonsil and wall of the throat. Medically, it is known as peritonsillar abscess or quinsy. Peritonsillar abscesses are usually caused by a bacterial infection.

What do you need to know about retropharyngeal abscess?

Retropharyngeal Abscess: What You Need to Know 1 A retropharyngeal abscess is a serious infection deep in the neck,… 2 This is an unusual infection that can be difficult to diagnose. 3 In children, upper respiratory infections usually occur… 4 Retropharyngeal abscess…

What is a peritonsillar abscess?

Peritonsillar abscesses are usually caused by a bacterial infection. An abscess in your throat is a collection (or pocket) of pus in the space (peritonsillar space) that lies between each tonsil and wall of the throat. Medically, it is known as peritonsillar abscess or quinsy. Peritonsillar abscesses are usually caused by a bacterial infection.