Analysis of smoking behaviour in patients with peritonsillar abscess: a prospective, matched case–control study. Issue 10 (13th September 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Schwarz, D; Wolber, P; Balk, M; Luers, J C
• Is Part Of: Journal of laryngology & otology. Volume 132:Issue 10(2018)
• Page Start: 872
• Page End: 874
• Publication Date: 2018-09-13
• Subjects: Smoking, -- Tobacco, -- Peritonsillar Abscess, -- Tonsillitis, -- Epidemiologic Studies; Otolaryngology -- Periodicals; 617.51
• DOI: 10.1017/S0022215118001585
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0022-2151

Abstract

Abstract: Objective: Smoking is purported to increase the risk of peritonsillar abscess formation, but prospective data are needed to confirm this hypothesis. This prospective study aimed to identify this correlation. Methods: Fifty-four patients with peritonsillar abscess were prospectively asked about their smoking behaviour using a questionnaire that was designed and approved by the Robert Koch Institute (Berlin, Germany) to analyse smoking behaviour in epidemiological studies. Afterwards, a consecutive control group (without peritonsillar abscess), matched in terms of age and gender, was surveyed using the same questionnaire. A classification of smoker, former smoker and non-smoker was made, and the numbers of pack-years were calculated and compared. Results: Statistical analysis of both groups revealed a significant correlation between peritonsillar abscess and smoking experience ( p = 0.025). Moreover, there were significantly fewer non-smokers in the non-peritonsillar abscess group ( p = 0.04). The number of pack-years was higher in the peritonsillar abscess group ( p = 0.037). Conclusion: There is a statistically significant association between peritonsillar abscess and smoking.