Quinsy. (Suppurative Tonsilitis).—­In from two to four days the enlarged gland becomes softer and finally may break, sometimes in the pharynx; the breaking gives the patient great relief.  Suffocation has sometimes followed the rupture of a large abscess and the entrance of the pus into the larynx.  This form of tonsilitis was formerly called quinsy.  By this term now is meant an abscess around the tonsils, (Peri-tonsilar abscess).  The structures are very much swollen.

Causes are somewhat similar to what has produced the regular tonsilitis.  It may follow exposure to cold and wet, and is very liable to recur.  It is most common between fourteen and twenty-five years.  The inflammation here is more deeply seated.  It involves the main tissue of the tonsil and tends to go on to suppuration.

Symptoms.—­The general disturbance is very great.  The fever goes to 104 or 105 degrees; the pulse 110 to 120.  Delirium at night is not uncommon.  The weakness may be extreme.  The throat is dry and sore, hurts terribly to swallow, this being the first thing of which the patient complains.  Both tonsils may be involved.  They become large, firm to the touch, dusky red and swollen, and the surrounding parts are also much swollen.  The swelling may be so great that the tonsils may touch each other or one tonsil may push the uvula aside and almost touch the other tonsil.  There is much saliva.  The glands of the neck enlarge, the lower jaw is almost immovable and sometimes it is almost impossible to open the mouth at all.

Quinsy.  Mothers’ Remedies. 1.  Willow Gargle for.—­“Steep pussy willow and gargle throat with it.  This remedy if taken in time, will cure quinsy and it will not return.”

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2.  Quinsy, Liveforever Root Good Poultice for.—­“Get the root of liveforever, pound it up and bind on throat as you would a poultice.”  We have tried this, and it has always given relief, if done in time.

3.  Quinsy, Plaster of Lard and Salt for.—­“Take one tablespoonful lard and stir into as much table salt as possible making it about like mortar.  Spread on a cloth and apply.”  Splendid for sore throat and quinsy.

4.  Quinsy, Oil of Anise Effective for.—­“Rub inside of throat with oil of anise.”

5.  Quinsy, Quick Remedy for.—­“In severe cases of quinsy where the tonsils are inflamed and almost meet, a third of a grain of mercury and chalk, or “gray powder,” acts very quickly.  Cold compresses used nightly to harden the throat is very good.  At night use a gargle made of a teaspoonful tincture of cayenne pepper to half pint of water.”  This remedy is very good and is sure to give relief.

6.  Quinsy, Pleasant Peppermint Application for.—­“There is nothing better for this disease than oil of peppermint applied externally to the neck and throat.”  This is an excellent remedy.

7.  Quinsy, Kerosene Good for.—­“A cloth wet with kerosene oil applied to the throat is very good; also gargling with kerosene oil.”  Repeat the application of the wet cloths every two or three hours.