-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