Peritonsillar cellulitis

Peritonsillar abscess are also known as quinsy. These refer to a relatively common infection of the Peritonsillar space. It is often reported as the most common site of head and neck infection. The space is located between the capsule of the palatine tonsil and the pharyngeal muscles. There is many a loose connective tissue that fills the space. Therefore it is vulnerable to abscess the formation. The space therein margins the spreading of anteroposteriorly to the tonsillar pillars. It spreads as slow as the piriform fossa and as fast as the hard plate or the torus tubarius. This was first described in the 14th century. Again the space is mentioned vaguely prior to the start of the 20th century.

Cause of the Peritonsillar cellulitis

The Peritonsillar abscess occasionally is referred as quinsy. It is a term derived from the Greeks and used in the English literature for the inflammation of the throat and tonsils. The true study of the Peritonsillar cellulitis is still not known. It is widely accepted as a theory that maintains an episode of acute exudative tonsillitis. It is inappropriately treated or not treated at all. It leads to abscess formation. The condition is generally the endpoint of a disease spectrum that starts with acute follicular tonsillitis, progresses to peritonsillitis, and ends with the formation of a Peritonsillar abscess. Peritonsillitis however can arise, without any preceding history of tonsillitis. The inflamed area is generally the supra-tonsillar space of the soft palate, immediately above the superior pole of the tonsil and the surrounding muscles, especially the internal pterygoids.

After effects of the Peritonsillar cellulitis

Pus collects between the fibrous capsule of the tonsil, usually at its upper pole, and the superior constrictor muscle of the pharynx. Another theory suggests involvement of the Weber glands. These are a group of salivary glands situated above the tonsillar area in the soft palate. The Weber glands are believed to play minor roles, serving to clear the tonsillar area of any trapped debris. Tissue necrosis and formation of pus result in an abscess that emerges between the tonsillar capsule, lateral pharyngeal wall, and supra-tonsillar space. This results in scarring and obstruction of the ducts that drain these glands, which then swell and progress to abscess formation.

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