Peritonsillar abscess | |
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Other names | Quinsy, quinsey |
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Right sided peritonsillar abscess | |
Specialty | Otorhinolaryngology |
Symptoms | Fever, throat pain, trouble opening the mouth, change to the voice[1] |
Complications | Blockage of the airway, aspiration pneumonitis[1] |
Causes | Multiple types of bacteria[1] |
Risk factors | Streptococcal pharyngitis[1] |
Diagnostic method | Based on the symptoms[1] |
Differential diagnosis | Retropharyngeal abscess, infectious mononucleosis, epiglottitis, cancer[1] |
Treatment | Remove pus, antibiotics, fluids, pain medication, steroids[1] |
Frequency | ~3 per 10,000 per year (USA)[1] |
Peritonsillar abscess (PTA), also known as quinsy, is an accumulation of pus due to an infection behind the tonsil.[2] Symptoms include fever, throat pain, trouble opening the mouth, and a change to the voice.[1] Pain is usually worse on one side.[1] Complications may include blockage of the airway or aspiration pneumonitis.[1]
PTA is typically due to infection by a number of types of bacteria.[1] Often it follows streptococcal pharyngitis.[1] They do not typically occur in those who have had a tonsillectomy.[1] Diagnosis is usually based on the symptoms.[1] Medical imaging may be done to rule out complications.[1]
Treatment is by removing the pus, antibiotics, sufficient fluids, and pain medication.[1] Steroids may also be useful.[1] Admission to hospital is generally not needed.[1] In the United States about 3 per 10,000 people per year are affected.[1] Young adults are most commonly affected.[1]
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