Retropharyngeal abscess overview

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Overview

A retropharyngeal abscess is an abscess in the tissues in the back of the throat, the retropharyngeal space. It can lead to airway obstruction, a life-threatening emergency. It is usually caused by a bacterial infection originating from the nasopharynx, tonsils, sinuses, adenoids or middle ear. It can also result from a direct infection due to penetrating injury or a foreign body. Symptoms include difficulty swallowing, fever and enlarged cervical lymph nodes. Retropharyngeal abscesses often need to be drained surgically. Antibiotics are also given.