Definition

Noun: A peritonsillar abscess is a localized collection of pus that forms in the tissues surrounding the tonsils, typically near the top of the tonsil. It is a painful infection and a common complication of acute tonsillitis.

Usage

This term is used in medical contexts to describe a specific, severe throat infection. * The patient was diagnosed with a peritonsillar abscess requiring immediate drainage. * Symptoms of a peritonsillar abscess include severe sore throat, difficulty swallowing, fever, and a muffled voice.

Advanced Usage

• The condition is often referred to by its abbreviation PTA in clinical notes.
• It is also colloquially known as a quinsy, an older term still used in some medical literature.

Variants and Related Words

• Quinsy (noun): A historical synonym for peritonsillar abscess.
• Abscess (noun): A more general term for a swollen, pus-filled area caused by infection.
• Tonsillitis (noun): Inflammation of the tonsils, which can precede and lead to a peritonsillar abscess.
• Parapharyngeal abscess (noun): A related but different deep neck infection located adjacent to the pharynx.

Synonyms

• Quinsy

Related Phrases

• Deep neck infection: A broader category of infections that includes peritonsillar abscess.
• Tonsillar cellulitis: A diffuse infection of the tonsillar area without pus formation, which may progress to an abscess.

Noun

1. a painful pus filled inflammation of the tonsils and surrounding tissues; usually a complication of tonsillitis