Quinsy is a dangerous complication of tonsillitis which is also known as peritonsillar abscess and this condition is common in teenagers and adults, but can also occur in babies and children. This is the formation of an abscess that surrounds the tonsillar space.
Quinsy happens when the infection from the area of the tonsil spreads to the next space or area. It is important to note that this bacterial infection will lead to serious implications on the health if it left untreated.
What are the signs?
Symptoms of quinsy are similar to tonsillitis but become worse when the condition forms an abscess. The symptoms develop 2 to 8 days earlier to the formation of abscess that fills with pus found around the tonsils and usually it only affects one tonsil.
Sore throat and inflammation of the tonsil are the initial symptoms. The swelling will spread inside the mouth and throat. There is difficulty in opening the mouth and swallowing of food and the condition is severely painful. The individual will have fever, generalized weakness, headaches and body ache while the area of the neck that is swelling and can be seen externally. The person will have bad breath, changes in the quality of voice and difficulty in speaking.
Quinsy throat infection can be due to untreated or partially treated infection of the tonsil or a complication caused by tonsillitis. In a person with tonsillitis, the bacteria found in the tonsil can penetrate to the nearby soft tissues and form an abscess. In most cases, it is due to the streptococcal bacteria that spreads to the adjacent wall of the throat and form an abscess. Quinsy can also be due to infections in the teeth, calcium deposits in the tonsils, infectious mononucleosis and even smoking.
Treatment and home remedies for quinsy
- Depending on the severity of the condition, the person should stay in the hospital. The doctor starts treatment with antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medications.
- Sometimes, the doctor provides a corticosteroid to minimize the swelling and pain if normal anti-inflammatory medications are not effective.
- Gargle using salt water. Salt possesses natural antibacterial properties. When there is fever and pain in the throat, the individual should drink plenty of fluids and eat semi-solid foods.
- Provide vegetable soup, chicken soup and tomato soup for essential nutrition. They also help in increasing the immunity of the body. A healthy immune system of the body helps fight off the bacteria.
Prevention
- You can prevent peritonsillar abscess by avoiding smoking, maintaining good dental hygiene and treating oral infections without delay.
- Take an antibiotic prescribed by the doctor but closely monitor for the formation of abscess.
- Finish the full course of the antibiotic prescribed by the doctor even if the individual feels better after a few days.
FACT CHECK
http://www.nhsdirect.wales.nhs.uk/encyclopaedia/q/article/quinsy/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peritonsillar_abscess
https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/peritonsillar-abcess#1