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Definition Return to top
Retropharyngeal abscess is a collection of pus in the tissues in the back of the throat. See also peritonsillar abscess.Causes, incidence, and risk factors Return to top
Retropharyngeal abscess generally affects children under age 5. Tissues at the back of the throat in young children allow a pus-filled space to form immediately behind the back of the throat. This area can become secondarily infected during or immediately following a bacterial sore throat.Symptoms Return to top
Signs and tests Return to top
Treatment Return to top
Surgical drainage of the abscess and high-dose intravenous antibiotics are used to treat the infection. The airway needs to be protected from becoming completely blocked by the swelling.Expectations (prognosis) Return to top
Full recovery is expected following prompt treatment.Complications Return to top
Calling your health care provider Return to top
Call your health care provider if you develop a high fever with severe throat pain. Breathing difficulty, intercostal retractions, and stridor indicate that an emergency situation is developing!Prevention Return to top
Prompt diagnosis and treatment of pharyngitis or upper respiratory infections will generally prevent the development of retropharyngeal abscess. Update Date: 7/30/2003 Updated by: Jason Newman, M.D., Department of Otolaryngology, Kaiser Permanente Medical Group, Washington, DC. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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Page last updated: 28 October 2004 |