PERI TONSILLAR ABCESS:Not to be confused with Tonsillitis.

Peritonsillar abscess (PTA), also known as a quinsy or quinsey, is a recognized complication

of tonsillitis and consists of a collection of pus beside the tonsil in what is referred to as

Peritonsilar space (Peri - meaning surrounding). It is a commonly

encounteredotorhinolaryngological (ENT) emergency.

Symptoms and signs:

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 two to eight days before the formation of an abscess.

Progressively worsening, unilateral sore throat and pain during swallowing usually are the earliest

symptoms. As the abscess develops, persistent pain in the peritonsillar area, fever, malaise, headache

and a distortion of vowels informally known as "hot potato voice" may appear. Neck pain associated with

tender, swollen lymph nodes, referred ear pain and halitosis are also common. While these signs may be

present in tonsillitis itself, a PTA should be specifically considered if there is limited ability to open the

mouth (trismus). In short:

Severe unilateral pain in the throat;

Pyrexia above 103 degree F (39°C);

Unilateral Earache;

Odynophagia and difficulty swallowing saliva;

Change in voice — muffled voice, “hot potato” voice;

Intense salivation and dribbling,Thickened speech, Foetor oris, Halitosis;

Pain in the neck;

Malaise, Headache, Rigor.*

Trismus is common. Physical signs include redness and edema in the tonsillar area of the affected side

and swelling of the jugulodigastric lymph nodes. The uvula may be displaced towards the unaffected

side. Odynophagia (pain during swallowing), and ipsilateral earache also can occur

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 hemophilus.

Treatment

Treatment is surgical incision and drainage of the pus, thereby relieving the pain of the pressed tissues.

However, it has been shown to be safe to "wait and observe" as a mode of treatment.[1] Antibiotics are

also given to treat the infection. Internationally, the infection is frequently penicillin resistant, so it is now

common to treat with clindamycin.[2] Treatment can also be given while a patient is under anesthesia, but

this is usually reserved for children or anxious patients.

Complications

Retropharyngeal abscess ;

Extension of abscess in other deep neck spaces leading to airway compromise. See Ludwig's

angina;

Septicaemia ;

Possible necrosis of surrounding deep tissues;

In rare cases, mediastinitis.