What is a retropharyngeal abscess?

Retropharyngeal abscess is a potentially serious complication of neck infection. Abscesses are essentially pus and diseased tissue that develops in the back of the neck after a bacterial or viral infection. The condition may be deadly if the abscess gets large enough to block the airways. Retropharyngeal abscesses become rare because of modern progress in the care of antibiotics, but small children and people with a weak immune system are at risk if they do not receive proper treatment of neck infections. Children experienceing frequent respiratory infections are exposed to the highest risk of developing abscesses due to chronic neck irritation that will never completely disappear. Older people and adults with AIDS, cancer and other conditions that weaken their immune systems are also exposed to an increased risk of neck complications.

symptoms of retropharyngeal abscess may include sore throat, jaw and neck pain, wheezing and difficult swallowing. As the abscess grows, breathing becomes shallow and swallowsMeals and fluids can become very painful. Nausea, fever and chills are common as infection deteriorates. Untreated, pus outflow in the throat can lead to painful cough, stomach pain and possible obstruction of the airways. A child or an adult who is experiencing difficulty breathing and severe sore throat should be brought to the emergency room as soon as possible.

The physician may diagnose retrophyngeal abscess by checking the mouth and neck, ask about the symptoms and testing of the blood sample for an increased number of white blood cells. The X -rays of the neck and computer tomographic scanning may be carried out to determine the severity of the narrowing of the respiratory tract and seek tissue damage further in the throat. After identifying retropharyngeal abscess, the doctor usually collects a neck culture for testing specific bacteria or viruses.

The treatment of retropharyngeal abscess depends on the severity of the symptoms. Patients whoThey have serious breathing problems, are immediately taken to the hospital to receive intravenous drugs and oxygen therapy. If the airway obstruction becomes a life -threatening life, it may be necessary to insert the respiratory tube. In most cases, the operation is necessary to aspirate abscess and consumer tissue. After hospital care, patients are usually prescribed antibiotics to prevent recurrent infection during the treatment phase. In rapid treatment, most people experience full recovery from their symptoms within two months.