The presentation of patients with peritonsillar abscesses can range from uncomfortable to respiratory distress and failure. Although antibiotics and I&D will result in definitive management of the process, both require time. Thankfully, the administration of steroids is one thing that can buy you time. Here, our emergency department clinical pharmacist and a student pharmacist review a pharmacologic method of protecting a patient’s airway in those with PTAs.

Aonyea Spinks-Boykins, P4 Pharmacy Student, MWU Doctor Pharmacy Candidate and Joanne Routsolias, PharmD