What Are the Treatments for Infected Tonsil Crypt?

An infected tonsil crypt can be a serious concern if there is a bacterial abscess forming on the tonsil. An ear, nose and throat specialist known as an otolaryngologist will assess the infection and determine whether a medical or surgical intervention is needed.

Antibiotics

• The least invasive and lowest risk method of treating an infection of the tonsil crypt is with a course of antibiotics. Be sure to tell your physician if you are allergic to any medications, especially penicillin, as many of the antibiotics used to treat throat infections contain penicillin or penicillin derivatives. Be sure to continue taking the entire course of antibiotics as directed by your physician or the infection may recur.

Surgery

• If your infected tonsil crypt is caused by an abscess, this is a serious condition and a surgical intervention is most likely needed. A surgeon will use a local anesthetic agent to numb the area and then will inject a syringe into the tonsil to remove pus via a procedure called "needle aspiration."

Incision

• Another method to treat an infected tonsil crypt characterized by an abscess is through an incision. In this method, the abscess is cut with a scalpel so that the pus can drain out and the tonsil can heal.

Tonsillectomy

• The full removal of the entire tonsil is not commonly needed for cryptic tonsil infections, except in the more severe cases. When a tonsillectomy is performed under these conditions, it is called an "acute tonsillectomy." This may be necessary if the draining procedures are not effective or if you have frequent tonsillitis.

Infections Can Vary in Severity

• The type and severity of your cryptic tonsil infection will determine which method of treatment is appropriate for you. The most minor cases may only need a full course of medication, but a severe infection could necessitate general anesthesia and tonsil removal, with the associated risks and recovery time.