Which condition would typically require a follow-up for potential surgical intervention?

A peritonsillar abscess is a collection of pus that forms near the tonsils, often as a complication of tonsillitis. This condition can cause significant symptoms, such as severe throat pain, difficulty swallowing, and trismus (limited jaw opening). If left untreated, a peritonsillar abscess may lead to serious complications, including airway obstruction or the spread of infection.

Surgical intervention, typically in the form of incision and drainage, is often necessary to alleviate the pressure, remove the pus, and improve the patient’s symptoms. Follow-up care is critical to ensure that the abscess does not recur and that the patient is healing properly. In some cases, tonsillectomy may be considered in individuals with recurrent peritonsillar abscesses.

The other conditions listed generally do not require surgical intervention. Boggy turbinates suggest edema in the nasal turbinates, often due to allergies or viral infections, which can be managed medically. Dry mucous membranes typically indicate dehydration or dryness, and rhinorrhea refers to nasal discharge that may result from infections or allergies, both of which are usually treated through non-invasive means.