CHECK-UP:Quinsy develops when the space between each tonsil and the throat wall becomes infected, writes MARION KERR.
I developed tonsillitis over Christmas but didn’t go to see a doctor until last week by which stage a large lump had formed on the side of my neck.
My doctor said it is quinsy, which he told me is quite rare. What is quinsy?
Quinsy or peritonsillar abscess can develop when the space between each tonsil and the throat wall becomes infected. A pus-filled abscess forms causing a very sore throat and difficulty swallowing.
Sufferers often cannot open their mouths wide and they may have swollen glands in the neck and swelling of the face. Headache, fevers and chills may also be experienced.
If the abscess is large enough, the sufferer may sound as if they are trying to talk with something hot in their mouth.
The condition tends to develop as a complication of a bout of tonsillitis and is most commonly the result of infection by the same bacteria that causes a strep throat.
Although quinsy has become relatively rare since the advent of antibiotic treatment for tonsillitis, it is still seen in older children, teenagers and young adults.
I’ve been on antibiotic treatment for the past couple of days but haven’t noticed any improvement. How long before I can expect to be rid of it?
Where quinsy has not been treated promptly it can result in the infection spreading to the roof of the mouth, neck and lungs. It is very important that the condition be treated as quickly as possible as severe complications can develop including pneumonia, fluid developing around the lungs or heart, obstruction of the airways and skin infection over the neck or jaw. Treatment involves oral antibiotics or, in more serious infection, the drug may be administered intravenously. If the abscess does not respond to antibiotic treatment, it will need to be drained using a needle to aspirate the pus. Alternatively, a small incision may be made in the abscess and the contents suctioned out. If there is difficulty swallowing, fluids may have to be given in drip form to prevent dehydration.
In an uncomplicated case of quinsy, symptoms are usually alleviated five to seven days following appropriate treatment. However, if symptoms do not improve after three days of antibiotic treatment or you develop swallowing or breathing difficulties, then immediate medical attention should be sought.
After appropriate treatment, prognosis is good although about 15 per cent of those who experience an abscess will have a recurrence within a year in which case full tonsillectomy may be required.