Definition of retropharyngeal abscess
Retrofaringeal abscess is a pus accumulation in the back of the throat tissues.
Cause of retropharyngeal abscess
- Abscesses are usually caused by streptococcal infection from the tonsils, throat, sinuses, adenoids, nasal or middle ear.
- Sometimes an injury to the back of the throat caused by thorn fish can also cause abscesses retrofaringeal.
- Although rare, retrofaringel abscess can also be caused by tuberculosis.
- Retrofaringeal abscess usually affects children aged less than 5 years.
- Networking on the back of the throat allows the formation of children's cavity containing pus (which this does not occur in adults).
- Infection in these areas can occur during or shortly after by a bacterial throat infection.
Symptoms of retropharyngeal abscess
Symptoms include:
- History of sore throat, nasal infection or tooth abscess
- High fever
- Severe sore throat
- Swollen neck lymph nodes
- Difficulty swallowing
- Salivating
- Respiratory Disorders
- Intercostal retraction (withdrawal of muscles between the ribs when people try so hard to breathe)
- Stridor (harsh breathing sound).
Complications of retropharyngeal abscess
- Bleeding around the abscess
- Rupture of the abscess into the airways (which can cause airway obstruction)
- Pneumonia
- The spread of infection to the chest.
- Diagnosis is based on symptoms and physical examination.
- X-rays or a CT scan of the neck showed a cavity containing pus between the throat and cervical spine.
- Blood tests showed an increase in the number of white blood cells.
- Breeding throat mucus can indicate the presence of the causative organism.
Treatment of retropharyngeal abscess
- To overcome infection drainage surgery (to remove the pus) and high doses of antibiotics given intravenously.
Prevention of retropharyngeal abscess
- Diagnosis and treatment in pharyngitis and nasopharyngeal infection usually can prevent abscess retrofaringeal.
