A tonsillar abscess, or quinsy, is a collection of pus in the tissues around the tonsils. It is a complication of tonsillitis and occurs when the infection spreads beyond the tonsils. The bacteria Streptococcus commonly causes the infection. Tonsillar abscesses commonly occur in young adults and teenagers. An abscess usually forms on one of the tonsils.
Symptoms
With tonsillar abscess, swallowing will be extremely painful and difficult. The patient will have one-sided sore throat, will look very ill; have fever and difficulty in opening the mouth. According to The Merck Manuals, the patient will have drooling of saliva and hot potato voice, which means he speaks as though he's trying to talk with a piece of hot food in his mouth. Patients with quinsy will also complain of bad breath and tiredness.
Expert Insight
Patents with an abscess on a tonsil should see a doctor. According to the Merck Manuals, doctors typically prescribe antibiotics, such as penicillin or clindamycin. If a doctor suspects an abscess on the tonsil, she may try to draw out the pus with a needle.
Patients with larger abscesses may need an operation to drain the pus. Most surgeons consider this as the standard treatment, according to American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP). The surgeon makes an opening and drains the pus, which reduces the swelling and inflammation. In some patients, surgery to remove the tonsils is performed.
Role of Tonsil Removal
A person with a peritonsillar abscess is at risk for another in the future. People with a repeated history of tonsillitis or quinsy need an operation to remove the tonsils, according to AAFP.
Warning
Complications can occur if an abscess on tonsils is left untreated. Swollen tissues around the tonsil can block the airway. As the pus collection increases and grows, the infection can spread. According to National Institutes of Health, the infection can spread to the neck and chest. Pus collection can occur in the lungs, resulting in lung infection. There is a possibility of inflammation of the heart and lungs.
Prevention/Solution
The only way to prevent quinsy from occurring is to treat an infection of the tonsil early and completely, according to National Institutes of Health. Early treatment also helps prevent further spread of infection.
