Peri- Tonsillar Abscess

Question 1

What is Peri-Tonsillar Abscess?

Answer 1

• When you have a bacterial infection with trapped pus, this forms an abscess in the tonsillar region

Question 2

Where is a peri-tonsillar abscess seen?

Answer 2

• Palatoglossal Arch

Question 3

How does a Peri-Tonsillar Abscess present?

Answer 3

• Sore throat
• Painful Swallowing
• Fever
• Neck Pain
• Referred Ear Pain
• Swollen tender lymph nodes

Question 4

What are specific signs which indicate a Peri- Tonsillar Abscess?

Answer 4

• Trismus - when patients can’t open their mouth due to the spasm of muscles in the jaw
• Torticolis - when patients neck muscle spasm causing deviation of the head and neck
• Hot potato Voice - change in the voice due to the pharyngeal swelling
• Deviation of the Uvula to the unaffected side
• Stertor ( noisy breathing, a noise created in the nose/ back of the throat )

Question 5

What normally causes Quinsy?

Answer 5

• A bacterial infection

Question 6

What is the most common bacterial organism?

Answer 6

• group A streptococcus pyogenes
• Staphylococcus Aureus
• Haemophilus Influenzae

Question 7

What is the Managment for Quinsy?

Answer 7

• Referred to hospital under ENT
• Requires needle aspiration/ surgical incision and drainage - to remove the pus
• Antibiotics to cover the bacterial infection
• Steroids to reduce inflammation (dexamethasone)