Peritonsillar abscess in a 6-year-old child is being managed. Which feature MOST distinguishes peritonsillar abscess from peritonsillar cellulitis and indicates need for drainage?

• A Unilateral sore throat and odynophagia
• B Fever above 38.5°C
• C Cervical lymphadenopathy
• D Uvular deviation away from the affected side with fluctuance on palpation ✓

Explanation

The hallmark of peritonsillar abscess that differentiates it from cellulitis is uvular deviation to the contralateral side (away from the abscess) due to peritonsillar edema, along with fluctuance or soft tissue bulging in the peritonsillar space on palpation. Trismus may also be present. Unilateral sore throat, fever, and cervical lymphadenopathy are present in both cellulitis and abscess. Fluctuance and uvular displacement indicate pus formation requiring aspiration or incision and drainage.

Reference: Dhingra Diseases of Ear, Nose and Throat, 7th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.