What is a parapharyngeal abscess?
Paraferyngeal abscess is a collection of infected, swollen, inflamed tissues deep inside the neck. Abscesses provide space for bacteria for prosperity and potentially spread to nearby blood vessels and lymph nodes. In most cases, paraffaryngeal abscesses arise due to severe infection of almonds, neck or respiratory tract. Treatment in the form of oral antibiotics is usually sufficient to cure small abscesses before it causes complications. It may be necessary to delete large cysts filled with pus to prevent the airway obstruction and infections throughout the body.
Paraferyngeal space is an empty triangular space located between the pharynx, carotid artery, inner jugular vein and several small neck muscles. Most abscesses in paraffaryngeal space are preceded by bacterial infections of almonds or pharynx. The pathogens spread a broken, irritated tissue and create cysts in the area. Many different types of bacteria can cause the development of abscesses, including common streptococcus andStaphylococcus strains.
A person of any age can develop a paraffaryngeal abscess, although the problem is most commonly seen in children and adolescents. Adults who have weakened immune systems are also at increased risk. The first symptoms of parapharyngeal abscess are similar symptoms of common neck infections, including sore throat, swallowing problems, mild fever and fatigue. Increasing abscess can cause noticeable swelling in the throat and significant airway obstruction. If it is a carotid artery or jugular vein, one can have a very high fever, mental confusion and dangerous internal bleeding.
It is important that parents contact a pediatrician when their child shows possible symptoms of parapharyngal abscess. The doctor can check the neck and almonds to seek signs of infection. Computer scanning of tomography is a visualization of parapharyngeal space and search for abnormal OTto the eye. After confirming the diagnosis, blood and mucus samples can be taken to check the specific bacteria involved.
When a paraffaryngeal abscess is detected in time, it can usually be treated with a four-week course of oral antibiotics. The doctor may decide to drain a growing abscess using a needle that is either inserted by the mouth or by a small cut made in front of the neck. If the narrowing of the airways is present, the patient may need to be admitted to the hospital so that specialists can provide oxygen and surgically open the pharynx. It may be necessary to cut the cyst with a scalpel if it is likely to tear and spread the bacteria to the blood vessels.