Ear, nose & throat · UKMLA & AKT
Quinsy/ peritonsillar abscess
A free high-yield preview for the UKMLA Applied Knowledge Test. Below are the key points to recognise quinsy/ peritonsillar abscess — the full SA Note notes add investigations, management, complications and 10 practice questions.
Key high-yield points
- Sore throat - unilateral and severe (distinguishes from bilateral tonsillitis)
- Trismus - difficulty/inability to open mouth; key feature distinguishing quinsy from tonsillitis
- Uvular deviation - to the contralateral (unaffected) side due to inferomedial tonsil displacement
- Dysphagia - painful swallowing; drooling common
- Hot potato voice - muffled, hypernasal quality
- Referred otalgia - ipsilateral ear pain via Jacobson's nerve (CN IX)
- Systemic features - fever, malaise, tender ipsilateral cervical lymphadenopathy
Uvular deviation away from the swelling is the hallmark sign of quinsy. Epiglottitis also causes sore throat and 'hot potato voice' but has NO peritonsillar bulge - do not examine these patients as it may precipitate laryngospasm.
Unlock the full Quinsy/ peritonsillar abscess revision
Get the complete high-yield notes (4 more sections covering investigations, management and complications), 10 practice questions, mock exams and AI tutoring. Start free.