Peritonsillar abscess is also called as?

Appeared in: NORCERT 8 Mains-2025

Explanation

Quinsy is the common and historical name for a peritonsillar abscess.
A peritonsillar abscess is a collection of pus that forms in the space between the tonsil and the surrounding throat muscles.
It is considered a serious complication of acute tonsillitis, where the infection spreads beyond the tonsil capsule.
Key diagnostic signs include a muffled 'hot potato' voice, difficulty opening the mouth (trismus), and deviation of the uvula to the unaffected side.

Option B: Pleurisy is an inflammation of the pleura, the lining of the lungs and chest cavity. It is a respiratory condition, not a throat infection.
Option C: Tonsillitis is the inflammation of the tonsils themselves. A peritonsillar abscess (Quinsy) is a collection of pus that forms next to the tonsil, making it a complication of tonsillitis, not the same condition.
Option D: Cystic fibrosis is a chronic, inherited genetic disorder that affects mucus and sweat glands. It has no direct relationship to an acute throat abscess.

Visual 1: Anatomical Diagram - A diagram showing a cross-section of the oropharynx, clearly illustrating the location of the tonsil, the displaced uvula, and the collection of pus forming the abscess in the peritonsillar space. This helps differentiate it from simple tonsillitis.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Synonym and clinical features of Peritonsillar Abscess as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Recognizing Quinsy is critical for nurses as it is a medical emergency. The swelling can rapidly obstruct the airway, requiring immediate intervention such as needle aspiration or incision and drainage, along with IV antibiotics.
A key nursing assessment is to check for the classic triad: trismus, muffled voice, and uvular deviation. Their presence strongly suggests an abscess over simple tonsillitis.
What if? If a patient presents with a severe sore throat and swollen tonsils but lacks uvular deviation or trismus, the diagnosis is more likely acute tonsillitis. The nursing priority would shift from preparing for emergency drainage to managing pain, ensuring hydration, and administering antibiotics for the tonsillitis itself.

How to Approach the Question

This is a factual recall question that tests your knowledge of medical terminology.
Identify the key term in the question: 'Peritonsillar abscess'.
Scan the options for a known synonym or associated term.
Recall or deduce that 'Quinsy' is the common historical and clinical term for a peritonsillar abscess.
Eliminate other options by defining them: Pleurisy (lungs), Tonsillitis (inflammation of the tonsil itself, a precursor), and Cystic fibrosis (a genetic disorder).

Concept Tested & Keywords

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