Peritonsillar abscess

Peritonsillar abscess
Other names	Quinsy, quinsey
Right sided peritonsillar abscess
Specialty	Otorhinolaryngology
Symptoms	Fever, throat pain, trouble opening the mouth, change to the voice[1]
Complications	Blockage of the airway, aspiration pneumonitis[1]
Causes	Multiple types of bacteria[1]
Risk factors	Streptococcal pharyngitis[1]
Diagnostic method	Based on the symptoms[1]
Differential diagnosis	Retropharyngeal abscess, infectious mononucleosis, epiglottitis, cancer[1]
Treatment	Remove pus, antibiotics, fluids, pain medication, steroids[1]
Frequency	~3 per 10,000 per year (USA)[1]

Peritonsillar abscess (PTA), also known as quinsy, is an accumulation of pus due to an infection behind the tonsil.^[2] Symptoms include fever, throat pain, trouble opening the mouth, and a change to the voice.^[1] Pain is usually worse on one side.^[1] Complications may include blockage of the airway or aspiration pneumonitis.^[1]

PTA is typically due to infection by a number of types of bacteria.^[1] Often it follows streptococcal pharyngitis.^[1] They do not typically occur in those who have had a tonsillectomy.^[1] Diagnosis is usually based on the symptoms.^[1] Medical imaging may be done to rule out complications.^[1]

Treatment is by removing the pus, antibiotics, sufficient fluids, and pain medication.^[1] Steroids may also be useful.^[1] Admission to hospital is generally not needed.^[1] In the United States about 3 per 10,000 people per year are affected.^[1] Young adults are most commonly affected.^[1]