Throat-related quality of life in peritonsillar abscess sufferers: application of the adult tonsil outcome inventory.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate throat-related quality of life in peritonsillar abscess sufferers.

METHOD

The adult tonsil outcome inventory questionnaire, which is a validated throat-related quality of life tool, was administered to individuals who had recently suffered a peritonsillar abscess and to control subjects.

RESULTS

The mean inventory score was significantly higher (reflecting poorer throat-related quality of life) in peritonsillar abscess sufferers (n = 55, mean score 25.8 out of 100) than in age- and gender-matched controls (n = 55, mean score 8.7) (p < 0.001). Neither gender nor interval between episode of peritonsillar abscess and inventory completion date were significantly correlated with the overall questionnaire scores. However, younger abscess sufferers reported greater symptom severity and throat-related quality of life impact than older abscess sufferers.

CONCLUSION

Peritonsillar abscess had a significant impact on throat-related quality of life. In many, peritonsillar abscess represented an acute episode on a background of chronic throat problems. For optimal management, notably the place and timing of tonsillectomy, this impact should be taken into account. The adult tonsil outcome inventory is an ideal tool for use in clinical practice.