Throat Abscess: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

A throat abscess is a pocket of pus that forms due to an infection in the body. When a throat abscess occurs, treatment by a physician is necessary. Such an abscess will not heal on it's own and there are no home remedies.

Causes

• Throat abscesses usually occur as a result of an infection, such as mononucleosis, tonsillitis, lymphocytic leukemia and strep throat---the most common cause. Smoking may also lead to an abscess in the throat.

Symptoms

• The first symptom of a throat abscess is usually a sore throat, which is followed by swollen lymph glands and---after a few days---a fever. If the abscess is not treated, swallowing will become difficult and painful. Throat abscesses typically occur in adolescents and adults.

Treatment

• The treating physician will drain the pus from the abscess after using a local anesthetic and prescribe an antibiotic drug. If the infection has reached the tonsils, surgery to remove the tonsils most likely will be required.