The preferred antibiotic treatment for tonsillar and peritonsillar infections remains high dosages of penicillin. Peritonsillar swelling can be probed by needle aspiration. Where necessary, immediate incision and drainage of an abscess can be achieved. Quinsy tonsillectomy may be carried out for the best abscess exposure. Interval tonsillectomy is advised for those patients who give histories of previous tonsillar infections.