Bilateral peritonsillar abscess: A rare emergency.
MALAYSIAN FAMILY PHYSICIAN : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE ACADEMY OF FAMILY PHYSICIANS OF MALAYSIA 2018;
13:41-44. [PMID:
29796210 PMCID:
PMC5962234]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Peritonsillar abscess, or quinsy, is a rare complication of acute tonsillitis. It usually presents with odynophagia, trismus, and muffled voice, reflecting the space-occupying lesion in the oral cavity. Examination reveals a unilateral swelling on either side of the soft palate, which drains thick pus after an incision is made. It is regarded as an emergency as an upper airway obstruction can develop. Bilateral peritonsillar abscess is a rare presentation and results in catastrophic sequelae. We present a case of bilateral peritonsillar abscess that was initially referred by a primary care centre facing a dilemma in diagnosis. Prompt diagnosis and fast drainage are warranted to avoid unwanted morbidity, and, also, mortality.
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