Quick read
Key points
- 1
Quinsy, or peritonsillar abscess, is a collection of pus that forms next to a tonsil, usually as a complication of untreated or severe tonsillitis. It causes severe throat pain, typically worse on one side, along with difficulty swallowing and opening the mouth fully.
- 2
Topic-specific prevention and risk reduction will be added during the article-specific evidence audit.
01 · Know
What is Quinsy (peritonsillar abscess)?
Quinsy, or peritonsillar abscess, is a collection of pus that forms next to a tonsil, usually as a complication of untreated or severe tonsillitis. It causes severe throat pain, typically worse on one side, along with difficulty swallowing and opening the mouth fully.
Other symptoms can include a change in voice (sometimes described as a 'hot potato' voice), fever, and swollen glands in the neck. It requires prompt medical treatment, usually involving drainage of the abscess and antibiotics.
02 · Understand
Clinical context
This needs same-day medical assessment
Severe, worsening throat pain, especially one-sided with difficulty swallowing or opening the mouth, should be assessed by a doctor the same day.
03 · Act
When to see a doctor
04 · Prevent & manage
Practical steps
Take these self-care steps
These measures can help ease symptoms, support recovery, and reduce the chance of things worsening — but they don't replace medical advice if symptoms are severe or persistent.
- 1Seek medical review promptly.Quinsy needs assessment by a doctor, as it usually requires drainage of the abscess alongside antibiotics.
- 2Take pain relief as advised.Paracetamol or ibuprofen can help manage pain and fever while awaiting or during treatment.
- 3Stay hydrated with what you can manage.Sipping cool fluids, even in small amounts, helps prevent dehydration when swallowing is painful.
- 4Complete the full course of antibiotics.This is important to fully clear the infection and prevent recurrence or complications.
Evidence
References
BarnMD Health Intelligence uses authoritative and clinically relevant sources appropriate to the topic. References are shown so readers can inspect the evidence directly.
- HSE: Quinsy (peritonsillar abscess) ↗
Medical information notice
Health education, not individual medical advice
BarnMD Health Library provides general health education for public health literacy. Reading this article does not establish a doctor-patient relationship and this information is not a diagnosis, prescription, or personalised treatment plan. If you have symptoms or concerns about your health, seek appropriate advice from a qualified healthcare professional. If you develop emergency warning signs, seek urgent or emergency medical attention.
BarnMD Bottom Line
Quinsy needs prompt medical treatment, typically drainage of the abscess and antibiotics, and most people recover fully within a couple of weeks.
Severe, one-sided throat pain with difficulty opening the mouth is the classic sign of quinsy and needs same-day medical assessment.