Quinsy

Question 1

ESSENCE

Answer 1

Most common name for peritonsillar abscess

Question 2

PATHOPHYSIOLOGY

Answer 2

Arises when there is infection with trapped pus, forming an abscess in region of tonsils

Can be complication of untreated tonsillitis

Question 3

CLINICAL FEATURES

Presentation

Answer 3

• Similar to tonsillitis
  
  • Sore throat
  • Painful swallowing
  • Fever
  • Neck pain
  • Referred ear pain
  • Swollen tender lymph nodes
• Additional
  
  • Trismus
  • Change in voice due to pharngeal swelling
  • Swelling and erythema around tonsils

Question 4

AETIOLOGY

Most common organism

Answer 4

• Usually bacterial infection caused by streptococcus pyogenes (group A strep)
  
  • Also by staph aureus and haemophilus influenzae

Question 5

MANAGEMENT

General

Answer 5

• Referred to hospital ENT team for incision and drainage of abscess under general anaesthetic
• Antibiotics before and after surgery
  
  • Broad spectrum such as co-amoxiclav

Question 6

MANAGEMENT

What antibiotic before and after surgery

Answer 6

Co-amoxiclav