What Is It? The peritonsillar space lies between each tonsil and
the wall of the throat. An infection can cause a pus-filled
swelling (abscess) to develop in this space. Peritonsillar
abscesses, also called quinsy, usually occur as a complication
of tonsillitis. They most often are caused by "strep throat"
bacteria (group A beta-hemolytic streptococci). If a
peritonsillar abscess is not treated promptly, the infection can
spread to the neck, roof of the mouth and lungs. The swelling
can push the tonsil closest to it into the center of your throat
and move the uvula (the flap of tissue hanging in the back of
your throat) from the center toward the unaffected side of your
throat. In severe cases, the swelling can make breathing
difficult or can close your airway. Peritonsillar abscesses most
often are found in older children, adolescents and young adults.
They are less common than in the past because tonsillitis now
often is treated with antibiotics, which destroy the infection-
causing bacteria. - A very sore t