Question

Which of the following is most accurate regarding the presentation of patients with tonsillitis and patients with peritonsillar abscess?

Options:
Option 1: Tonsillitis and peritonsillar abscess always have identical symptoms.
Option 2: Peritonsillar abscess is a complication that arises after tonsillitis.
Option 3: Tonsillitis and peritonsillar abscess present with entirely different symptoms.
Option 4: Peritonsillar abscess is a less severe condition compared to tonsillitis.

Answer 1

Peritonsillar abscess is a serious complication that can occur after tonsillitis, presenting with more severe symptoms such as difficulty swallowing and potential airway obstruction.

Step-by-step explanation:

The most accurate statement regarding the presentation of patients with tonsillitis and patients with peritonsillar abscess is that peritonsillar abscess is a complication that may arise after tonsillitis. While tonsillitis involves infection of the tonsils with symptoms such as a sore throat, fever, and swollen lymph nodes, a peritonsillar abscess is a more serious condition where pus accumulates in the tissue around the tonsils, leading to more severe symptoms like difficulty swallowing, muffled voice, and potential airway obstruction.