Quinzy (sp?)

[kittenface]

Can anyone tell me what this medical condition is, its symptoms etc.

[Ethel]

Quinsy is a throat condition - an abscess.

http://www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk/articles/article.a spx?articleId=307

[soxcox1]

Its an abscess sited on a tonsil or tonsil bed

[kittenface]

Thanks so much! One of my students has it and I wanted to check it wasnt life threatening or infectious.

Mind you still sounds nasty!

[soxcox1]

It can be very nasty - if it gets big enough the airway can be compromised and it makes people pretty poorly. Sometimes needs a hospital stay

[garner]

My daughter had it twice on her tonsils,our very good doctor told us if she had it again[three times] she would have to have her tonsils out as this would be the danger sign,true enough she did get them again which resulted in her having her tonsils out.Best thing to happen she has had no problems since she was 22 yrs old.Hope this info helps

[Lonnie]

I've had two, very very painful, I was up walking the streets the pain was that bad, and unless treated, as soxcox1 says, it can block the airways, and it has been known, to be fatal.

[nutgoneflake]

I've had it once and nearly died - it was extremely painful, very scary and totally disgusting. I was 24, and had my tonsils out two years later as it had been so bad. (But then I had tried to ignore it - bad idea!) Before going into hospital, I hadn't slept for two or three days because when I lay down, I couldn't breathe. Going to sleep was impossible. The ENT consultant had to lance it, with several students watching as the drama unfolded. I still have nightmares about the stuff that came out!!

My advice is, never ignore a sore throat...!!

[kittenface]

eugh oh dear poor student! Well I'm glad to hear that shes on the mend after a short stay in hospital. Thanx for all your info!