What is the recommended treatment for a peritonsillar abscess?

• A. Oral antibiotics alone
• B. Needle aspiration or incision and drainage, followed by high-dose antibiotics
• C. Steroids only
• D. Observation without treatment

Answer: (B)

Peritonsillar abscess requires both removing the purulent collection and treating the infection. Draining the abscess with needle aspiration or incision and drainage relieves pain, swelling, and the risk of airway obstruction by physically evacuating the pus. Following drainage with high‑dose antibiotics ensures the surrounding infection is treated and reduces the chance of spread or recurrence, targeting common organisms such as streptococci and anaerobes. Steroids alone can reduce swelling temporarily but don’t clear the infection, and observation without treatment or relying on antibiotics alone won’t resolve the abscess and can allow serious complications. So drainage plus antibiotics is the appropriate, definitive approach.