Overview
Quinsy is a collection of pus that forms beside a tonsil, usually as a complication of severe tonsillitis. It causes a rapidly worsening, one-sided sore throat with difficulty swallowing and opening the mouth. Unlike ordinary tonsillitis it does not clear with antibiotics alone — the pus usually needs to be drained by a doctor. It is treated urgently because a large abscess can block the airway.
Symptoms
- Severe, mostly one-sided throat pain
- Difficulty and pain on swallowing, often with drooling
- Trouble fully opening the mouth
- A muffled or hot-potato voice
- High fever, swollen neck glands and bad breath
When to see a doctor
See a doctor the same day for a severe one-sided sore throat with trouble swallowing or opening the mouth.
Emergency — call 108 or go to the nearest hospital
- Difficulty breathing, inability to swallow saliva, or severe drooling with a swollen throat — go to a hospital immediately
Causes
Bacterial infection spreading from the tonsils into the surrounding tissue, usually after tonsillitis.