not to be used for advertising or in a defamatory context Infected tonsil of a 26-year-old male patient with quinsy, or peritonsillar abscess. This disease involves the tissue surrounding the tonsil, and usually occurs after tonsillitis (inflammation of the tonsils). Symptoms include a sore throat and difficulty swallowing. Quinsy is usually treated with antibiotic drugs. In severe cases, the abscess may need to be surgically drained.