Quinsy (Peritonsillar Abscess): Symptoms, Treatment & When Surgery Is Needed

Quinsy is an archaic term for peritonsillar abscess—a pus collection between the tonsil and pharyngeal wall, constituting a deep neck infection.

Symptoms

• Severe sore throat, often unilateral
• Difficulty swallowing (odynophagia)
• Swollen, tender cervical lymph nodes
• Fever, chills, headache, earache (referred pain)
• Muffled "hot potato" voice, trismus (limited mouth opening)

Treatment

• Antibiotics (penicillin/clavulanate, clindamycin)
• Analgesics, hydration, warm compresses
• Needle aspiration or incision & drainage if abscess is large or airway compromised

Prompt treatment yields excellent outcomes; delay risks airway obstruction or spread to deep neck spaces.