The pathogenesis of peritonsillar abscess is described in textbooks as being a direct communication and progression of acute exudative tonsillitis. Little study has been done on the true etiology and pathogenesis of peritonsillar abscess. This paper focuses on the pathogenesis of peritonsillar abscess. A group of salivary glands (Weber's glands) proven to be located in the supratonsillar space have been shown to be implicated in the pathogenesis of peritonsillar abscess. A review of peritonsillar abscess has been undertaken, and evidence has been presented to support the premise that the true cause for peritonsillar abscess is not necessarily an extension of an acute exudative tonsillitis, but an abscess formation of Weber's salivary glands in the supratonsillar fossa.

Maxillary sinusitis appears to be more prevalent in the cleft palate population than in the normal population. The increase in sinusitis may be due to the fact that the maxillary sinus develops differently embryonically in cleft palate patients than in those patients with normal palates. A double blind study was done by measuring the maxillary sinus cephalometric x-rays in cleft palate patients and then comparing them to patients with normally developed palates. The groups studied were 3 months to 20 years of age. It was concluded that in each of these groups there was no significant difference in size, shape, or rate of development of the maxillary sinus in cleft palate patients compared to the normal population. It is probable that the increased incidence of maxillary sinusitis in cleft palate patients is due mainly to the open palate with constant contamination of the nasal mucosa by food pushed into the nares and sinus ostia, resulting in maxillary sinusitis.

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Communication for handicapped ventilator-dependent patients is a problem, not only for the patient but also for the healthcare personnel. The inability of these patients to vocalize is a paramount problem in their care. This study evaluates the efficacy of a one-way speaking valve on ventilator-dependent patients and evaluates the resulting effectiveness of their speech. Fifteen ventilator-dependent patients were fitted with the one-way Passy-Muir Tracheostomy Speaking Valve and their communicative skills and ease of vocalization were evaluated. This clinical evaluation was done by the patient, a speech pathologist, two nurses in charge of the patient, and the patient's private physician. No complications were observed in any of the patients. All 15 patients showed marked improvement, not only in speech intelligibility but in speech flow, the elimination of speech hesitancy, and speech time. This ability to communicate enhanced the care given by the healthcare personnel. In conclusion, use of the Passy-Muir Tracheostomy Speaking Valve restored verbal communicative skills of ventilator-dependent patients, facilitated care, and greatly enhanced the mental outlook of these patients without observed complications.