Quinsy Flashcards
What is quinsy?
A peritonsillar abscess - a bacterial infection with trapped pus forms an abscess in the region of the tonsils
What is the presentation of quinsy?
Sore throat
Painful swallowing
Fever
Neck pain
Swollen lymph nodes
Trismus
Change in voice
What is trismus?
Where the patient is unable to open their mouth
Why does trismus occur in quinsy?
Pus causes the pterygoid muscles to go into spasm, preventing the patient from opening their mouth
What organism most commonly causes quinsy?
Streptococcus pyogenes - group A strep
What other organisms can cause quinsy?
Staphylococcus aureus
Haemophilus influenzae
What is the management of quinsy?
Needle aspiration or surgical incision and drainage
Antibiotics - co-amoxiclav
IV fluids
What lymph nodes are most commonly enlarged in quinsy?
Jugulodigastric lymph nodes
