Curriculum · ENT, Ophthalmology, and Dermatology
Quinsy
What it is
Quinsy, the peritonsillar abscess, is the formation of pus between the capsule of the tonsil and the superior constrictor muscle. It is a deep neck infection, and it is preceded by a period of peritonsillar cellulitis.
Causes and risk
Peritonsillar abscess heads the suppurative complications of group A streptococcal infection, next to retropharyngeal abscess, meningitis, otitis media and sinusitis. The infection itself is polymicrobial, with beta hemolytic Strep and S. aureus. The history usually given is one of incorrect use of antibiotics with visits to multiple hospitals.
How it presents
The history is sore throat, fever, dysphagia causing drooling, and otalgia. On examination the quinsy triad is hot potato voice, trismus and uvular shift, and with them go palatal fullness and cervical adenopathy.