ENT - Quinsy Flashcards
What is quinsy?
Peritonsillar abscess
What causes quinsy?
Bacterial infection with trapped pus forming an abscess in the tonsil region
Usually complication of partially treated tonsillitis (can arise without this)
Who is affected by quinsy?
Occurs just as frequently in all age groups
How does quinsy present?
Trismus (unable to open mouth)
Hot potato voice
Swelling beside tonsils
Sore throat
Painful swallowing
Fever
Neck pain
Referred ear pain
Swollen tender lymph nodes
Why do you get a hot potato voice in quinsy?
Pharyngeal swelling
What is the most common causative organism in a peritonsillar abscess?
Streptococcus pyogenes (group A strep)
Can also be caused by
Staphylococcus aureus
Haemophilus influenzae
What is the management of a peritonsillar abscess?
Hospital referral for incision and drainage under general anaesthetic
Broad-spectrum antibiotics before and surgery such as co-amoxiclav
What can be given to help recovery?
Steroids e.g. dexamethasone
To settle inflammation and help recovery
