Clinical Indications for Discharge or Admission The majority of patients diagnosed with ABR can be managed as outpatients Patients who have severe headache or clinical signs of dehydration are also potential candidates for hospital admission Patients who fail outpatient treatment with oral antibiotics warrant admission for IV antibiotics and close observation The indications for admission include complications such as orbital cellulitis or abscess, facial cellulitis or abscess, meningitis, or intracranial abscess Depending on the complication, these patients should be urgently evaluated by otolaryngology, neurosurgery, and/or ophthalmology services, given the potential need for surgical intervention TONSILLITIS AND PERITONSILLAR ABSCESS/CELLULITIS Goals of Treatment Pharyngitis with tonsillitis is a relatively common presentation to the ED Pain control is a priority for comfort as well as to facilitate oral intake In some cases, IV hydration may be warranted In addition, recognizing more advanced infection and differentiating between peritonsillar cellulitis and peritonsillar abscess (PTA) is a key aspect of treatment For patients diagnosed with PTA, the evaluation should focus on the safety of the airway and appropriate consultation, if needed, for definitive treatment with drainage