Quinsy, or peritonsilary abscess, is a painful abscess that forms near the tonsils and can cause symptoms such as sore throat, fever, and difficulty breathing. It is usually caused by tonsillitis or strep throat and can lead to life-threatening infections if left untreated. Treatment includes antibiotics, pain medication, and sometimes surgery to drain the abscess or remove the tonsils.
Quinsy is a pus-filled abscess that forms in the throat near the tonsils. Also known as a peritonsilary abscess, quinsy is usually the result of acute tonsillitis, although it can result from complications with strep throat, leukemia, or mononucleosis. An abscess can cause a variety of painful symptoms, including sore throat, swelling, inflammation, fever, and difficulty breathing, swallowing, and speaking. Quinsy is most common among teenagers and young adults, but people of any age are prone to developing symptoms. The prognosis is generally good when a doctor is able to diagnose and treat the condition right away; if left untreated, it can lead to life-threatening infections and respiratory problems.
Peritonsilar abscesses emerge when bacteria infect the soft, delicate tissue surrounding the tonsils. Tonsillitis, mononucleosis and streptococcal bacteria are the most frequent causes of quinsy. People who have lymphocytic leukemia in the neck are also at risk, as are long-term smokers. Occasionally, a serious infection of the mouth or gums such as gingivitis can spread to the tonsils and lead to the development of abscesses. As a pertonsil abscess grows, it fills with pus, spreads infection, and presents the possibility of developing pneumonia or inflammation of the heart and lungs.
The most common symptoms of quinsy include redness, inflammation and swelling in the throat and mouth, leading to pain and itching. The inflammation usually occurs on only one side of the throat, although a serious infection can spread throughout the area. Within five days of an infection, an individual may experience fever and chills, jaw pain and muscle spasms, ear pain, and significant difficulty swallowing. The airways can become blocked as swelling in the throat and lymph nodes gets worse, leading to trouble breathing and speech. It is essential to see a doctor when some or all of the symptoms of quinsy occur.
It’s usually easy for a doctor to make a diagnosis by examining a person’s throat and noting the swollen tissue and actual abscess. A doctor may order a biopsy to confirm the identity of a specific bacteria or an underlying condition, such as mononucleosis. Small peritonsilary abscesses usually go away in one to two weeks with antibiotics and pain medications, although larger abscesses that block the airways may require immediate medical procedures. A surgeon might make a small incision in an abscess and drain excess fluid to reduce swelling and inflammation. If tonsillitis is the cause of quinsy, your surgeon may choose to remove your tonsils and treat the abscess with a local anesthetic to relieve symptoms and aid in a speedy recovery.
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