Quinsy
Peritonsillar abscess (PTA), also called a quinsy or abbreviated as PTA is a recognized complication of tonsillitis and consists of a collection of pus beside the tonsil in what is referred to as Peritonsilar space
Quinsy is not common since most people with tonsillitis have effective treatment early enough to prevent complications from developing. Only around 1% of people with a sore throat may develop quinsy – most commonly in teenagers and young adults.
Quinsy symptoms
The symptoms of quinsy, also called peritonsillar abscess, are similar to those of tonsillitis.
They include:
- A worsening sore throat, usually on one side
- A high temperature of 38 degrees C or above
- Difficulty opening your mouth
- Pain when eating and drinking
- Difficulty eating and drinking
- Changes to your voice or difficulty speaking
- Bad breath
- Drooling saliva due to the difficulty swallowing
- Earache on the affected side
- Headache and feeling generally unwell
- Swelling around your face and neck
- Tiredness
- Dehydration, when the normal water content of your body is reduced
Quinsy treatment
Treatment is, as for all abscesses, through surgical incision and drainage of the pus, thereby relieving the pain of the pressed tissues. Antibiotics are also given to treat the infection. Internationally, the infection is frequently penicillin resistant, so it is now common to treat with clindamycin
After quinsy treatment
You have had an incision and drainage of your quinsy throat infection today
Care at home should be performed as follows:
- Take antibiotics as prescribed until finished
- Warm saline throat gargles (1/4 teaspoon of salt in 200mL of warm water) every hour whilst awake for 24 to 48 hours
- Try to drink fluids– especially cold fluids
- Avoid citrus, acidic or spicy products
- Take pain medication as prescribed
- Eat a soft, bland diet and small, frequent meals
If you have any problems after your quinsy throat infection drainage, you should speak to your local doctor, who will arrange to contact your ENT specialist