ENT contitions

Peritonsillar abscess (quinsy) is a localized collection of pus between the capsule of the palatine tonsil and the superior pharyngeal constrictor muscle. It is the most common deep infection of the head and neck and usually develops as a complication of acute bacterial tonsillitis or peritonsillar cellulitis.

Deep neck space infections are serious bacterial infections involving the potential fascial spaces of the neck. These infections commonly arise from odontogenic infections, tonsillitis, pharyngitis, salivary gland infections, trauma, or infected cervical lymph nodes. Because the deep cervical fascial planes communicate with the mediastinum and major vascular structures, these infections can rapidly spread and become life-threatening.

Infection of thyroglossal duct cysts, dermoid cysts, and branchial cleft cysts is a common cause of congenital neck swelling presenting during childhood or early adulthood. These congenital lesions arise from abnormal embryological development and may remain asymptomatic until they become infected, usually following an upper respiratory tract infection or local bacterial invasion.

Vocal cord paralysis is a disorder characterized by partial or complete loss of movement of one or both vocal cords due to interruption of nerve impulses supplying the intrinsic muscles of the larynx. It is a clinical sign rather than a diagnosis itself and indicates underlying dysfunction of the recurrent laryngeal nerve, vagus nerve, or central nervous system.

Laryngomalacia is the most common congenital anomaly of the larynx and the leading cause of inspiratory stridor (noisy breathing) in infancy. It is characterized by partial or complete collapse of the supraglottic structures during inspiration, resulting in intermittent upper airway obstruction. Symptoms usually become apparent within the first few weeks of life, peak between 4 and 8 months of age, and gradually resolve as the laryngeal structures mature.