Neck pain associated with tender, swollen lymph nodes, referred ear pain and foul breath are also common. While these signs may be present in tonsillitis itself, a PTA should be specifically considered if there is limited ability to open the mouth (trismus). Complications
While most people recover uneventfully, there is a wide range of possible complications. These may include:
Retropharyngeal abscess
Extension of abscess in other deep neck spaces leading to airway compromise (see Ludwigs angina)
Airway obstruction
Aspiration pneumonitis
Lung abscess (following rupture)
Sepsis
Life-threatening hemorrhage (following erosion or septic necrosis into the carotid sheath of the neck)
Glomerulonephritis and rheumatic fever (chronic complications of strep throat)Difficulty swallowing can lead to decreased oral intake and dehydration. Causes
PTA usually arises as a complication of an untreated or partially treated episode of acute tonsillitis. The infection, in these cases, spreads to the peritonsillar area (peritonsillitis). This region comprises loose connective tissue and is hence susceptible to formation of an abscess. PTA can also occur de novo. Both aerobic and anaerobic bacteria can be causative. Commonly involved aerobic pathogens include Streptococcus, Staphylococcus and Haemophilus. The most common anaerobic species include Fusobacterium necrophorum,  Peptostreptococcus, Prevotella species, and Bacteroides. Diagnosis
Diagnosis is usually based on the symptoms. Medical imaging may be done to rule out complications. Medical imaging may include CT scan, MRI, or ultrasound is also useful in diagnosis. Treatment
Medical treatment with antibiotics, volume repletion with fluids, and pain medication is usually adequate, although in cases where airway obstruction or systemic sepsis occurs, surgical drainage may be necessary. Steroids may also be useful.
Etymology
The condition is often referred to as "quincy", "quinsy", or "quinsey", anglicised versions of the French word esquinancie which was originally rendered as squinsey and subsequently quinsy. Notable cases
Sultan Tekish of Kwarezm
Osceola
Michel de Montaigne
Pope Adrian IV
Dan Minogue, the captain/coach of Australian Rules football team Richmond was rumoured to be dead a week before the 1920 VFL Grand Final, but in fact, was in his hometown of Bendigo recovering from quinsy. George Washington was believed to have died of complications arising from quinsy, but is now thought to have died from epiglottitis. James Gregory of the band The Ordinary Boys almost died from quinsy because it was left untreated for so long before emergency treatment was started. Eiichiro Oda, author of the best-selling One Piece manga, was hospitalized due to complications. Ian Maclaren died of complications from quinsy while on a lecture tour of the United States.The ancient Roman goddess Angerona was claimed to cure quinsy (Latin angina) in humans and sheep. References


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