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atient informationWhat is quinsy?A quinsy (peritonsillar abscess) is a pus-filled pocket t. at forms near one of your tonsils. It’s usually a complication of tonsillitis. but this isn’t always the case. It is often caused by the sam.
- Overview
- Symptoms and Causes
- Diagnosis and Tests
- Management and Treatment
- Prevention
- Outlook / Prognosis
- Living With
A peritonsillar abscess is a pus-filled pocket that forms near one of your tonsils. It’s usually a complication of tonsillitis and is often caused by the same bacteria that cause strep throat. Symptoms include severe pain, swollen tonsils and swollen lymph nodes. Treatments include needle aspiration and tonsillectomy.
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What are the symptoms of a peritonsillar abscess?
In most cases, a sore throat is the first sign of a peritonsillar abscess, with additional symptoms developing over the next few days. Other common peritonsillar abscess symptoms include: Tonsillitis. Fever. Chills. Swelling of your face and neck. Headache. Earache. Drooling. Difficulty swallowing. Bad breath. Muffled voice or hoarseness. A tonsil that’s pushing your uvula (the fleshy, hanging ball in the back of your throat).
What causes peritonsillar abscesses?
In most instances, peritonsillar abscesses are caused by bacteria — and they’re usually a complication of tonsillitis. This happens when the infection spreads from your tonsil to the tissue around it. There are certain factors that can increase your risk for peritonsillar abscesses, including smoking and gum disease.
Is a peritonsillar abscess contagious?
Yes. Bacteria can be spread through sneezing, coughing or sharing eating utensils.
How are peritonsillar abscesses diagnosed?
Your healthcare provider will perform an examination of your throat, neck and mouth. They may also take a throat culture or blood test. In some cases, they may order imaging tests, such as ultrasound or a CT scan.
How are peritonsillar abscesses treated?
In most cases, a peritonsillar abscess requires surgical drainage and antibiotics. If you get more than one peritonsillar abscesses, you may need a tonsillectomy.
Does a peritonsillar abscess need surgery?
In most cases, yes. If it’s the first time you’ve had a peritonsillar abscess, your healthcare provider will likely drain the abscess and prescribe antibiotics. However, if you’ve had recurring (repeated) peritonsillar abscesses, they may recommend a tonsillectomy. Care at Cleveland Clinic Schedule a Tonsillectomy Find a Doctor and Specialists Make an Appointment
Can I prevent peritonsillar abscesses?
You can’t prevent peritonsillar abscesses altogether. However, you can reduce your risk by: Not smoking. Practicing good oral hygiene. Treating oral infections promptly.
What can I expect if I have a peritonsillar abscess?
If you have a peritonsillar abscess, you may be treated as an outpatient. However, if you have severe swelling that blocks your airway or other complications, you may have the abscess drained in the hospital. If so, you’ll probably need to stay there for a few days. Your healthcare provider will use a combination of treatments to ensure you’re feeling better as soon as possible.
When should I see my healthcare provider?
Anytime you have a severe sore throat, fever, chills or other symptoms related to peritonsillar abscess, schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider. Treating the condition early can help you avoid further complications. A note from Cleveland Clinic If you’re having trouble with your tonsils, or if you get tonsillitis repeatedly, you may have a higher risk for peritonsillar abscesses. If you develop signs of a peritonsillar abscess, it’s important to call your healthcare provider immediately. They can treat the issue before it worsens. Medically Reviewed Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 04/18/2022. Learn more about our editorial process.
Signs and symptoms. Symptoms of quinsy can include: a severe and quickly worsening sore throat, usually on one side; swelling inside the mouth and throat; difficulty opening your mouth; pain...
Jan 1, 2021 · Symptoms: sore throat (odynophagia), unilateral pain, change in voice ('hot potato voice'), inability to swallow. Clinical findings: trismus (difficulty opening mouth), bulging palatine arch with uvula deviation, signs of sepsis (fever, tachypnoea, tachycardia, hypotension).
Jan 1, 2018 · Quinsy is a complication of acute tonsillitis, usually due to streptococcal infection. It is a collection of pus arising outside the capsule of the tonsil in close relationship to its upper pole. An article from the ear, nose and throat section of GPnotebook: Quinsy.
May 4, 2024 · Typical symptoms for peritonsillar abscess include: Sore throat, often much worse on one side than the other (+/- otalgia) 'Thick' or 'hot potato' voice (not hoarse, croaky voice) Stertor. Trismus. Inability to swallow more than saliva or a sip or water. The key signs that differentiate quinsy from tonsillitis are: There is frequently a degree ...
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Symptoms of Peritonsillar abscess People with peritonsillar abscess have severe throat pain, pain with swallowing (odynophagia) and may drool if it is too painful to swallow their saliva. They may also have fever, bad breath, difficulty opening the mouth (trismus), change in voice (“hot potato voice”), painful ear, neck pain and stiffness ...
