Quinsy - Complication of Tonsillitis

Quinsy is a complication of tonsillitis which is left untreated and is also known as peritonsillar abscess. The abscess or the collection of pus is formed between one of the tonsils and the wall of the throat. Tonsils are the two small glands which are at the back of the throat behind the tongue. This can occur when the infection spreads over from the infected tonsil to the surrounding areas.

The first symptoms of peritonsillar abscess is a sore throat without fever or other symptoms may develop as the abscess increases which may occur between two to five days from the start of the symptoms and abscess formation.

The mouth and the throat may show signs of swollen area of inflammation which could be on the affected side and the uvula, which is the small finger of tissue that hangs down in the middle of the throat, may be moved away from the swollen side of the mouth. The lymph glands in the neck may also be enlarged and tender.

Quinsy with Sore Throat

Quinsy could be suspected when the tonsillitis or a sore throat tends to get bad very quickly and at this point of time, it is essential that the patient visits the physician without any delay.

There is a likelihood that if the abscess grows large enough it could also block the airway causing breathing difficulties and hence treatment should be given at the earliest.

It is very important that quinsy be diagnosed and treated quickly in order to avoid the infection from spreading. If quinsy is diagnosed, the person is referred to an ear, nose and throat specialist where further test are conducted and immediate hospitalisation could also be recommended for severe quinsy.

Antibiotics and Painkillers 

The person suffering from quinsy may have a high temperature of 38 degree C; a bad sore throat usually one sided, difficulty in opening the mouth, pain at the time of swallowing resulting to drooling saliva, changes in the voice or even difficulty while speaking.

 They may also suffer from bad breath, earache on the affected side, with headache and feeling of sickness, swelling around the face and neck. Immediate attention is needed when the person suffers from a bad sore throat which tends to get worse quickly and severe tonsillitis.

Antibiotics are recommended in order to clear the infection with painkillers to eliminate the pain while the pus from the abscess may be needed to be drained which would involve a minor surgery that is carried out under anaesthetic in the hospital.

Not a Common Ailment

Quinsy is not a common ailment because most of the people with tonsillitis have taken effective treatment early to prevent it from developing and occurs mostly in teenagers and young adults. The best way to avoid tonsillitis is to stay away from people who may be suffering from this condition and who have the viral or bacterial infection.

Most of the belongings like their dishes and other objects used by the patient should be avoided and maintenance of high level of hygiene by washing of the hand, regularly with soap and hot water should be done. The person should also avoid smoking which could possibly increase the risk of quinsy. Do get back to Dream Health for updates related to health issues.