What is quinsy disease? Lee Ryan's tonsillitis complication explained

‘Eastenders’ star Lee Ryan hit the headlines this morning after reports surfaced that he has been rushed to hospital with quinsy. But what are the symptoms of this relatively unheard of condition, and how is it treated?

Also known as a peritonsillar abscess, quinsy is a rare complication of tonsillitis where a pus-filled abscess forms between the tonsils and the throat wall.

It’s caused when a bacterial infection spreads from an infected tonsil to the surrounding area, and is potentially very serious.

Quinsy symptoms usually start as a sore throat and inflammation of the tonsils, before quickly developing into abscesses which make it extremely painful and difficult for the sufferer to swallow, and in some cases difficult to breathe or open their mouth.

Like with tonsillitis, a high temperature, headache and general sense of being unwell is often present. But quinsy can also cause a foul breath odour and a visible swelling to the neck area.

Referred pain in the ears and neck area is common too, as is a distinct change in the ability and sound of the voice.

Like Lee, who is expected to be in hospital for a week, quinsy sufferers usually require a short stay in hospital for doctors to monitor their condition while treating the infection with antibiotics.

Due to inflammation in the throat, antibiotics are often given to patients intravenously (directly into a vein), and steroid medication may also be required to reduce the swelling.

In some cases, where antibiotics alone are ineffective, a surgical procedure to drain the pus from the abscess may be needed.

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