Quinsy or peritonsillar abscess refers to a collection of pus behind the tonsil. Although rare, it is a serious complication of tonsillitis. Quinsy can occur at any age, but most commonly affects older children, adolescents, and young adults. Quinsy is mainly caused by the bacteria Streptococcus pyogenes, that causes strep throat and tonsillitis. Natural medicines are beneficial for mild cases of quinsy to resolve the infection and help provide symptomatic relief along with conventional treatment. Baryta Carb, Merc Sol, and Hepar Sulph are the top homeopathic medicines for quinsy.
Quinsy develops when the infection spreads from the infected tonsil to the soft tissue around the tonsils, thereby forming an abscess. Recurrent or chronic tonsillitis, smoking, weak immune system, tooth/gum infection, tonsilloliths, and mononucleosis are some conditions that raise the risk of quinsy.
Homeopathic Medicines for Quinsy
These medicines can be used in mild to moderate cases of quinsy for supportive treatment. Consultation with an ENT specialist is a must to diagnose the condition and rule out its severity and take adequate help in case of an emergency
1. Baryta Carb – For Quinsy with Difficult Swallowing and Speaking
Baryta Carb is a natural medicine for quinsy where there is difficulty swallowing (food or saliva) and speaking. Only swallowing of liquids is possible where Baryta Carb is indicated. Stinging and smarting pain in the throat is present. The throat is sore to touch and there is marked suppuration (pus collection) behind the tonsils. The palate feels very swollen and is attended with fever, red face, offensive breath, and thick phlegm. There is increased salivation along with the sensation of having a plug in the throat.
2. Hepar Sulph – For Quinsy with Pain in Throat Radiating to Ear
Hepar Sulph is a natural remedy for quinsy where the pain in the throat radiates to the ear. There is marked uneasiness, a stitching pain in the throat, scraping and smarting sensation that arises upon swallowing food. A sensation of having a splinter or plug of mucus in the throat and fever with chills may be present.
3. Merc Sol – For Quinsy with Excessive Drooling of Saliva
Merc Sol is a well-indicated medicine for quinsy with excessive drooling of saliva. There is a collection of pus behind the tonsil which may be enlarged. The palate is red and swollen and there may be difficulty in swallowing. Sharp, sticking pain in fauces is particularly felt upon swallowing. There is rawness and burning in the throat along with a constant thirst for water. There is also an offensive smell from the mouth.
4. Lachesis – For Quinsy with Suppuration Behind Left Tonsil
Lachesis is an effective remedy for suppuration of the left tonsil in cases of quinsy. There is a pain in the throat on the left side which is worse from taking liquids and from empty swallowing. The left side of the throat feels choked when drinking fluids. The pain may radiate to the ear and usually worsens after sleep in most cases. The throat is swollen, dry and seems dark red. The voice tends to get hoarse, the throat and neck are very sensitive to external pressure. There is also a lot of phlegm present.
5. Lycopodium – For Quinsy with Suppuration behind Right Tonsil
Lycopodium is prepared from the spores of a plant Lycopodium Clavatum commonly known by the name of Clubmoss. The natural order of this plant is Lycopodiaceae. Lycopodium is well indicated for quinsy with suppuration behind right tonsil. The right tonsil is sore, painful and suppurated. The throat feels dry and sharp pain is felt in the tonsil particularly upon swallowing. Sometimes burning and pricking appears in the tonsil. A frontal headache may also be present along with the above symptoms.
6. Phytolacca – For Marked Burning Pains in Throat
Phytolacca is a natural medicine prepared from a plant Phytolacca Decandra or Poke-Root of the natural order Phytolaccaceae. Phytolacca is useful for quinsy with marked burning pains in the throat. The throat, tonsil, and palate are congested with bluish or dark-purple appearance. The throat is also intensely dry, rough with burning and smarting in fauces. Swallowing gets difficult and is followed by excruciating pain in the throat that shoots to the ears. A disposition to hawk and clear the throat is also present.
7. Psorinum – Indicated to Eradicate the Tendency of Quinsy
Psorinum is a natural remedy indicated to eradicate the tendency of repeated attacks of quinsy. In cases requiring Psorinum, the tonsils are greatly swollen along with painful swallowing. Pain in the throat upon swallowing may be burning, cutting or tearing in nature. The pain may extend to ear from throat while swallowing. Along with this, the saliva is profuse and offensive. Tough mucus may be present in the throat.
8. Silicea – Where Suppurating Tonsil is Slow to Heal
Silicea is a natural medicine that is considered in cases of quinsy when the recovery from suppurating tonsils is very slow. The pus is fetid, and Silicea helps hasten the recovery process and clear off the pus discharges effectively.
9. Streptococcinum – For Sore Throat, Tonsillitis and Quinsy in Strep Throat
Streptococcinum is an effective medicine used to treat a sore throat, tonsillitis, and quinsy in a strep throat infection. The throat gets red and swollen, and there is an accumulation of excessive pus behind the tonsil. There is a constant pain in the throat, and enlarged nodes in the neck may also be present along with the above symptoms.
Signs and Symptoms of Quinsy
The symptoms of quinsy include severe sore throat especially on one side (usually the first symptom), difficulty swallowing food/drink/saliva, difficulty opening mouth, drooling, bad breath, earache on the affected side of tonsil, voice changes, headache, swelling of face or neck, high fever sometimes with chill and swollen glands in the throat. Quinsy occurs only on one side of the tonsils. Some complications of quinsy include a rupture of abscess, blocked airways, and infection of lungs, chest, neck.
Hi Doc,
My mother has been suffering for 4 months with Tonsillitis. Her right side is swollen, both sides have inflammation and soreness, mostly on the right. Gave her Hepar Sulpur and Bayta and Calcera Carb with no relief. Gave her Phytolacca 30 and has ease somewhat in 3 weeks. Anxiety and heart palpatations came with the Tonsillitis and gave her NAT MUR 30 and little relief in 3 weeks. She struggles to sleep. What are your thoughts on Psorinum or Guiacum?
Best Regards,
Angelo
I have been taking homeopathic treatment for 5 months(allopath told to do surgery) having 2 tonsils are red, enlarged and pus formation on left one. No pain at all but No improvement so far.
Brojeswar(age 31) from Bandel,WB…
Pus pockets in both side tonsils since from eight months. Difficulty for swallowing saliva. Right side full pain from lower jaws to ear. Excess salvition. Burning in tounge. Lips nose. Merc sol. Medicine psorium taken. Ayurveda treatment taken. Not recovered. Please advise.
Sir ye medicines kitne power ki le if my age is 22yr