Chronic Tonsillitis Chronic tonsillitis is an ill-defined entity, which may be associated with foci of bacteria deep in tonsillar tissue. It is characterized by persistent signs and symptoms of low-grade infection, including sore throat, malaise and abnormal tonsillar appearance. Consideration should be given to aggressive oral antibiotic therapy, but each individual case will merit specific management strategies. Referral to an otolaryngologist may be advisable. Peritonsillitis is inflammation of tissue surrounding the tonsils, which may be a precursor to abscess formation.
Peritonsillar abscess is pus in the peritonsillar space.
Antibiotic therapy plus drainage by either aspiration or incision is the accepted method of management. The physician must inform the patient of the relative risks and benefits of medical and surgical management. This information should include potential surgical and anaesthetic complications, including death, haemorrhage and airway obstruction. Suspected malignancy of the tonsil should be referred to an otolaryngologist for surgical management. Recurrent peritonsillar abscess.