-IBIS-1.5.0-
tx
eyes/ears/nose/throat
peritonsillar abscess
diagnoses

definition and etiology

definition: An acute infection of the tissues between the tonsil and the superior pharyngeal constrictor muscle; aka "quinsy".

etiology: This infection is rare in children but common in young adults.
The most frequent bacteria implicated in quinsy is Group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus; however, certain other organisms, such as the anaerobic bacteroides can also cause the problem.

signs and symptoms

• Fever.
• Sore throat.
• HEENT lymphadenopathy.
• Enlargement of the tonsil with displacement of the tonsil away from the abscess.
• Marked trismus.
• Marked dysphagia.
• Head tilted towards abscess.
• Uvula is swollen and displaced away from the involved side.
• Soft palate is reddened and pushed forward.

lab findings:
• (+) increase in WBCs with shift to left
• (+) culture of throat

course and prognosis

The severity of the infection and how soon it is treated will decide whether just antibiotics or antibiotics and incision are necessary. Quinsy has a tendency to recur, and often, in conventional medicine, a tonsillectomy will be performed (not infrequently while draining the abscess).

differential diagnosis

• pharyngitis
• other oral infections


footnotes