Should pus in the throat be removed if it's present?

Whether pus in the throat should be drained depends on the severity of the condition.

1. Yes, drainage is needed

Pus formation in the throat is usually caused by bacterial or mixed anaerobic infection, manifesting as congestion and swelling of the pharyngeal mucosa. If a clear abscess has formed in the patient's throat, accompanied by systemic symptoms such as high fever and body weakness, this typically indicates a severe condition. In such cases, pus should generally be drained under medical guidance through procedures like needle aspiration or incision, followed by intravenous antibiotic therapy. Commonly used medications include sodium penicillin for injection and benzathine penicillin for injection.

2. No, drainage is not necessary

Pus in the throat frequently occurs in conditions such as acute pharyngitis or tonsillitis, often accompanied by symptoms like sore throat and general fatigue. If the situation is not particularly severe, anti-inflammatory treatment is the main approach, and draining the pus is usually unnecessary. Under medical guidance, hydrogen peroxide or normal saline can be used to help facilitate natural drainage of the pus, along with oral antibiotics to promote recovery. Commonly prescribed medications include amoxicillin-clavulanate potassium and metronidazole tablets.