Sections View Full Chapter Figures Tables Videos Annotate Full Chapter Figures Tables Videos Supplementary Content + Download Section PDF Listen ++ For further information, see CMDT Part 8-21: Peritonsillar Abscess & Cellulitis + Key Features Download Section PDF Listen +++ ++ Results when infection penetrates the tonsillar capsule and involves the surrounding tissues + Clinical Findings Download Section PDF Listen +++ ++ Peritonsillar abscess (quinsy) and cellulitis present with Severe sore throat Odynophagia Trismus Medial deviation of the soft palate and peritonsillar fold Abnormal muffled ("hot potato") voice + Diagnosis Download Section PDF Listen +++ ++ Abscess may be confirmed by aspirating pus from the peritonsillar fold just superior and medial to the upper pole of the tonsil A 19-gauge or 21-gauge needle should be passed medial to the molar and no deeper than 1 cm, because the internal carotid artery may lie more medially than its usual location and pass posterior and deep to the tonsillar fossa + Treatment Download Section PDF Listen +++ ++ Most commonly, patients present to the emergency department and receive a dose of parenteral amoxicillin (1 g), amoxicillin-sulbactam (3 g), or clindamycin (600–900 mg) Less severe cases and patients who are able to tolerate oral intake may be treated for 7–10 days with oral antibiotics, including Amoxicillin, 500 mg three times a day Amoxicillin-clavulanate, 875 mg twice a day Clindamycin, 300 mg four times daily Methods for surgical management include needle aspiration, incision and drainage, and tonsillectomy Some clinicians incise and drain the area and continue with parenteral antibiotics, whereas others aspirate only and monitor as an outpatient To drain the abscess and avoid recurrence, it may be appropriate to consider immediate tonsillectomy (quinsy tonsillectomy)