Quinsy, also known as a peritonsillar abscess, is a collection of pus in the space between the tonsil capsule and the superior constrictor muscle, usually caused by acute tonsillitis. Clinical features include fever, malaise, throat pain, difficulty swallowing, and a hot potato voice. Examination shows swollen tonsils and soft palate with bulging on the affected side. Treatment involves hospitalization, IV fluids, antibiotics, analgesics, and incision and drainage of the abscess. Interval tonsillectomy 4-6 weeks later is often recommended to prevent future occurrences. Complications can include parapharyngeal abscess, airway edema, sepsis, or jugular vein

1. QUINSY
(Peritonsillar Abscess)
BRIG ANWAR UL HAQ(R)
ENT SPECIALIST
CMH MEDICAL COLLEGE
LAHORE

2. Definition:
Collection of pus in the
peritonsillar space which lies
between the
a.Capsule of tonsil
b. Superior constrictor muscle.

3. AETIOLOGY :
•
•
Acute tonsillitis.
Tonsillar crypts -
usually crypta magna.
• Aerobic Organisms like
Streptococcus pyogens,
S. aureus or anaerobic
organisms.

4. CLINICAL FEATURES
General
Local

5. GENERAL :
• Fever (upto 104°F) with chills.
•
•
•
•
Malaise.
Body aches.
Headache.
Nausea and Constipation.

6. LOCAL :
Throat pain.
Odynophagia.
Hot potato voice.
Foul breath.
Ipsilateral ear ache.
Trismus.

7. EXAMINATION :
• Tonsils, pillars and
soft palate
- Congested and
swollen.
• Uvula
swollenand
oedematous.
•
•
•
Bulging of the soft palate.
•

8. EXAMINATION :
Mucopus
- tonsillar region.
Cervical lymphadenopathy
- jugulodigastric lymph nodes.
Torticollis.

9. TREATMENT :
Hospitalisation.
Intravenous fluids.
Antibiotics.
Analgesics.
Oral hygiene.

10. INCISION
AND
DRAINAGE
OF ABSCESS
At the point of maximum
bulge above the upper pole
of tonsil.
Guarded knife - Incision.
Sinus forceps.
Suction.

11. INTERVAL
TONSILLECTOM
Y
• 4 - 6 weeks following the
attack of quinsy.

12. ABSCESS
or
HOT TONSILLECTOMY
• Risk of rupture of the abscess during
anaesthesia and excessive bleeding at the
time of operation.
Immediate tonsillectomy without incision and drainage

13. COMPLICATIONS :
Parapharyngeal abscess.
Oedema of larynx (Tracheostomy).
Septicaemia.
Pneumonitis or lung abscess.
Jugular vein thrombosis.
Spontaneous haemorrhage.

14. PREVENTION :
Do not smoke.
Good oral hygiene.
Control Oral infections.
Antibiotics.

15. THANK YOU