Peritonsillar abscess
| Peritonsillar abscess | |
| ICD-10 | J36 |
|---|---|
| ICD-9 | 475 |
| DiseasesDB | 11141 |
| eMedicine | emerg/417 |
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Kiran Singh, M.D. [2]
Overview
Peritonsillar abscess, also called PTA or Quinsy, is a recognised complication of tonsillitis and consists of a collection of pus beside the tonsil (peritonsillar space).
Causes
PTA usually arises as a complication of an untreated or partially treated episode of acute tonsillitis. The infection, in these cases, spreads to the peritonsillar area (peritonsillitis). This region comprises loose connective tissue and is hence susceptible to formation of abscess. PTA can also occur de novo. Both aerobic and anaerobic bacteria can be causative. Commonly involved species include streptococci, staphylococci and haemophilus.
Symptoms
- Unlike tonsillitis, which is more common in the pediatric age group, PTA has a more even age spread — from children to adults.
- Symptoms start appearing 2-8 days before the formation of abscess. Common symptoms are:
- Drooling
- Dysphagia
- Foul smelling breath
- Fever
- Headache
- Hoarseness,muffled voice (also called hot potato voice)
- Odynophagia
- Otalgia (on the side of the abscess)
- Sore throat ( may be severe and unilateral)
Physical Examination
Signs
- Contralateral deflection of the uvula
- Facial swelling
- Tender submandibular and anterior cervical lymph nodes.
- Tonsillar hypertrophy with likely peritonsillar edema.
- Stridor
- Trismus
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Peritonsillar abscess Image courtesy of RadsWiki and copylefted
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Peritonsillar abscess Image courtesy of RadsWiki and copylefted
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Peritonsillar abscess Image courtesy of RadsWiki and copylefted
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Peritonsillar abscess Image courtesy of RadsWiki and copylefted
Treatment
Treatment is, as for all abscesses, through surgical incision and drainage of the pus, thereby relieving the pain of the stretched tissues. The drainage can often be achieved in the Outpatient Department using a guarded No. 11 blade in an awake and co-operative patient. Sometimes, a needle aspiration can suffice. Antibiotics are also given to treat the infection.
Peritonsillar abscesses are widely considered one of the most painful complications, primarily the surgical draining of the abscess itself. The patient is operated on awake, surgically slicing open the tonsil and draining the abscess.
Complications
- Parapharyngeal abscess
- Extension of abscess in other deep neck spaces leading to airway compromise
- Septicaemia
Notable Quinsy sufferers
- George Washington is believed to have died of complications arising from Quinsy.[1]
- Michel de Montaigne's quinsy brought about the paralysis of his tongue.
- Georges Bizet
- James Gregory of the band The Ordinary Boys was almost killed by quinsy because it was left untreated
- Brian Sweeney
- Alan Burrows
References
- ↑ Mount Vernon Plantation (2006). "Part 4. President and Back Home". Meet George Washington. Mount Vernon Ladies Association. Unknown parameter
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External links
Template:Respiratory pathology
ka:პერიტონზილური აბსცესი nl:Peritonsillair abces fi:Kurkkupaise