Quinsy

Definition: Previously known as quinsy, peritonsillar abscess (PTA) is the suppurative end-point of bacterial infection that results in the development of pus between the palatine tonsil and its capsule. Epidemiology • Occurs mainly in young adults: 20- 40s • Most common deep space neck infection • Incidence ranges from 1-3/10,000 per year Pathophysiology • In most textbooks, it is taught that PTA is the end-point on the pharyngitis continuum where bacterial pharyngitis progress to tonsillitis developing into peritonsillar cellulitis then ultimately abscess formation. • Controversy: no real evidence to support the above proposed mechanism and there exist various inconsistencies in the above process ( • Peak incidence of acute pharyngitis occurs ages 5-15, peak incidence of PTA ages 20-40. If they are on the same spectrum, there should be an age overlap. • Both acute pharyngitis and PTA have peak symptoms at 3-5 days. If PTA is a complication from the progression of acute pharyngitis, it would make sense that there is a time lag between the peak onset of pharyngitis and PTA. • Samples of tonsils from quinsy tonsillectomies are not found to have exudates on tonsils. ( • New proposed mechanism: bacterial infection of weber’s glands. Weber’s glands are a series of salivary glands that penetrate the posterior aspect of the palatine tonsillar capsule extending through the middle and distributed mainly on the superior surface of the palatine tonsils. They act to aid in the digest...

Medical condition Peritonsillar abscess Other names Quinsy, quinsey Right sided peritonsillar abscess Blockage of the airway, Causes Multiple types of Based on the symptoms Treatment Remove pus, Frequency ~3 per 10,000 per year (USA) Peritonsillar abscess ( PTA), also known as quinsy, is an accumulation of PTA is typically due to infection by a number of types of Treatment is by removing the pus, Signs and symptoms [ ] Physical signs of a peritonsillar abscess include Unlike Complications [ ] While most people recover uneventfully, there is a wide range of possible complications. • • Extension of abscess in other deep neck spaces leading to airway compromise (see • • • • • Life-threatening • Difficulty swallowing can lead to decreased oral intake and Causes [ ] PTA usually arises as a complication of an untreated or partially treated episode of acute tonsillitis. The infection, in these cases, spreads to the peritonsillar area (peritonsillitis). This region comprises loose connective tissue and is hence susceptible to formation of an abscess. PTA can also occur Diagnosis [ ] Diagnosis is usually based on the symptoms. Treatment [ ] Medical treatment with antibiotics, volume repletion with fluids, and pain medication is usually adequate, although in cases where airway obstruction or systemic sepsis occurs, surgical drainage may be necessary. Medication [ ] The infection is frequently penicillin resistant. Surgery [ ] The pus can be removed by a number of methods including T...

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a localized collection of pus in a cavity formed by the disintegration of tissue. Abscesses are usually caused by specific microorganisms that invade the tissues, often by way of small wounds or breaks in the skin. An abscess is a natural defense mechanism in which the body attempts to localize an infection and wall off the microorganisms so that they cannot spread throughout the body. As the microorganisms destroy the tissue, an increased supply of blood is rushed to the area. The cells, bacteria, and dead tissue accumulate to form a clump of cream-colored liquid, which is the pus. The accumulating pus and the adjacent swollen, inflamed tissues press against the nerves, causing pain. The concentration of blood in the area causes redness. The abscess sometimes “comes to a head” by itself and breaks through the skin or other tissues, allowing the pus to drain. Local applications of heat may be used to facilitate localization and drainage. • • • • • Copyright © 2003-2023 Disclaimer All content on this website, including dictionary, thesaurus, literature, geography, and other reference data is for informational purposes only. This information should not be considered complete, up to date, and is not intended to be used in place of a visit, consultation, or advice of a legal, medical, or any other professional.

A peritonsillar abscess is a painful, pus-filled collection of tissue that forms in the back of the throat near one of the tonsils. Peritonsillar abscesses, also called quinsy, often appear as a result of In this article, we provide an overview of peritonsillar abscesses, including their causes, symptoms, and treatment options. Share on Pinterest Peritonsillar abscesses form near the tonsils. Peritonsillar abscesses are usually caused by Streptococcus pyogenes, the same bacteria that causes strep throat and tonsillitis. If the infection spreads beyond the tonsil, it can create an abscess around the tonsil. Peritonsillar abscesses usually occur in young adults during the winter and spring, when strep throat and tonsillitis infections are most common. Rarely, people can develop peritonsillar abscesses without tonsillitis. Tonsillitis is most prevalent among children, while peritonsillar abscesses are These abscesses are rare after a person has had their tonsils removed, though they can still occur. Symptoms of a peritonsillar abscess may be similar to those of tonsillitis and strep throat, but they are often more severe. A person is sometimes able to see the abscess toward the back of the throat, and it may look like a blister or a boil. People usually experience: • painful swallowing, called odynophagia • an inability to swallow saliva • • pain that causes trismus, which is a difficulty or inability to open the mouth • a muffled voice • a • swelling of the neck and face A p...

Credit: iStock.com/Minerva Studio A peritonsillar abscess, or quinsy, is a bacterial infection that often begins with complications of tonsillitis or untreated strep throat. This article will detail the best peritonsillar abscess home treatment, as well as everything you need to know about a peritonsillar abscess. What is a peritonsillar abscess? It results when a sore filled with pus forms near your tonsils. Pus will collect in the tissues next to the tonsils, and the skin becomes highly tender and inflamed. Although peritonsillar abscesses are often found in anyone, they are most commonly found in children, adolescents, and young adults. Characteristic symptoms of the condition include swelling in the neck region and pain and blockage of the throat. Constriction of the throat can cause problems swallowing, speaking, and breathing. The main cause of a peritonsillar abscess is Peritonsillar abscesses can be treated in a variety of ways, including antibiotics and painkillers. Peritonsillar abscess treatment will also include natural remedies like Read on to learn more about the peritonsillar abscess symptoms, causes, risk factors, how to diagnosis the condition, as well as the main treatment and prevention methods of peritonsillar abscesses. In This Article: • • • • • • Peritonsillar Abscess (Quinsy) Symptoms Let’s examine peritonsillar abscess symptoms in further detail. Symptoms of a peritonsillar abscess are considered similar to those of strep throat and tonsillitis. On...