Quinsy Flashcards
What is quinsy?
A peritonsillar abscess
How does quinsy develop?
As a complication of bacterial tonsillitis.
What are the main features of quinsy?
severe throat pain, which lateralises to one side
deviation of the uvula to the unaffected side
trismus (difficulty opening the mouth)
reduced neck mobility
How does a sore throat in someone with quinsy present?
Lateralises to one side
How is the uvula affected in someone presenting with quinsy?
Deviates to the unaffected side
What can happen to someone’s mouth with quinsy?
They have difficulty opening their mouth
What is the initial management of someone presenting with suspected quinsy?
Urgent referral to ENT
What is the medical management of quinsy?
needle aspiration or incision & drainage + intravenous antibiotics
What should be considered to prevent the recurrence of quinsy?
Tonsillectomy
