What is the peritonsillar abscess?
A peritonsillar abscess is a bacterial infection that usually begins as a complication of untreated streptococcus throat infection or tonsillitis. It generally involves a pus-filled pocket forming near the tonsils.
It is common in children, adolescents, and young adults and usually occurs at the beginning or end of the winter season.
Peritonsillar abscess is also known as quinsy.
Is Peritonsillar abscess serious?
peritonsillar abscess is a complication of tonsillitis. The bacteria involved are similar to those that cause streptococcus throat. Streptococcal bacteria commonly cause an infection in the soft tissue around the tonsils (usually just on one side).
Can Peritonsillar abscess be treated with antibiotics?
Yes, a peritonsillar abscess is treated with antibiotics, either orally or intravenously.
Is Quincy serious?
Quinsy is a complication of tonsillitis, a bacterial infection of the tonsils.
Infections of the membranes of the tonsils may produce serious, life-threatening complications which include fluid accumulation around the heart or lungs and cause breathing difficulty (pericarditis).
Is throat abscess contagious?
Viral and bacterial infections cause tonsillitis and are contagious by direct person-to-person contact. Viral infection can spread for about 7-10 days whereas bacterial tonsillitis can remain contagious for about two weeks.
Can you get a Peritonsillar abscess if you don’t have tonsils?
If the tonsils are removed after tonsillectomy then the chances of having peritonsillar abscess is very low.
What causes pharyngeal abscesses?
A pharyngeal abscess is usually caused by a bacterial infection that has spread from the tonsils, throat, sinuses, adenoids, or nose.
What is a Quinsy abscess?
Quinsy, also known as a peritonsillar abscess, is a rare complication of tonsillitis. The abscess (a collection of pus) forms after the bacterial infection spreads from an infected tonsil to the surrounding area.
Can tonsillitis go away on its own?
Yes, it can go away on its own but antibiotics are used to prevent complications.
How long does tonsillitis last if untreated?
Tonsillitis caused by bacterial infection can lead to serious complications if left untreated. Symptoms usually go away within 7 to 10 days.
Is tonsillitis bacterial or viral?
Tonsillitis is caused by both viruses as well as from bacteria.
What are the causes of a peritonsillar abscess?
Risk factors include:
-Dental infections (such as gum infections periodontitis and gingivitis)
-Chronic tonsillitis
-Infectious mononucleosis
-Smoking
-Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)
-Stones or calcium deposits in the tonsils (tonsilloliths)
What are the symptoms of a peritonsillar abscess?
-swelling in the mouth at the site of inflammation
-enlarged lymph nodes on the neck
-Painful swallowing
-fever and chills
-Spasms in the muscles of the jaw (trismus) and the neck (torticollis)
-Earache
-sometimes hoarseness of the voice. -Chronic tonsillitis
-Infectious mononucleosis
-Smoking
-Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)
-Stones or calcium deposits in the tonsils (tonsilloliths)
