Smoking and Alcohol Consumption Are Associated With the Increased Risk of Peritonsillar Abscess

Objectives/Hypothesis: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship among smoking, alcohol consumption, and peritonsillar abscess in a Korean population. Study Design: Individuals ≥40 years old from the Korean National Health Insurance Service-Health Screening Cohort were assessed from 2002 to 2013. Methods: In total, 1,285 peritonsillar abscess participants were matched with 5,140 controls at a ratio of 1:4 with respect to age group, sex, income group, region of residence, hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia. We analyzed the participants' previous histories of smoking (current smokers vs. nonsmokers or past smokers) and alcohol consumption (drinkers vs. nondrinkers) in the peritonsillar abscess and control groups. Peritonsillar abscess was defined using the International Classification of Disease-10 code J36 combined with claim codes for incision and drainage or aspiration. Crude and adjusted odds ratios (ORs) were analyzed using unconditional logistic regression analyses, and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated. Results: The rates of smoking and consuming alcohol were higher in the peritonsillar abscess group than in the control group. The adjusted OR of smoking for peritonsillar abscess was 1.23 (95% CI = 1.06–1.44, P =.009), and that of alcohol consumption was 1.18 (95% CI = 1.02–1.36, P =.024). Conclusion: The odds of smoking and alcohol consumption were increased in peritonsillar abscess patients compared to those in the control group. Level of Evidence: NA Laryngoscope, 2020.