Retropharyngeal abscess overview

Abscess Main Page
Retropharyngeal abscess Microchapters
Home
Patient Information
Overview
Historical Perspective
Pathophysiology
Causes
Differentiating Retropharyngeal abscess from other Diseases
Epidemiology and Demographics
Risk Factors
Natural History, Complications and Prognosis
Diagnosis
History and Symptoms
Physical Examination
Laboratory Findings
X Ray
CT
MRI
Ultrasound
Other Imaging Findings
Other Diagnostic Studies
Treatment
Medical Therapy
Surgery
Primary Prevention
Cost-Effectiveness of Therapy
Future or Investigational Therapies
Case Studies
Case #1
Retropharyngeal abscess overview On the Web
Most recent articles
Most cited articles
Review articles
CME Programs
Powerpoint slides
Images
American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Retropharyngeal abscess overview All Images X-rays Echo & Ultrasound CT Images MRI
Ongoing Trials at Clinical Trials.gov
US National Guidelines Clearinghouse
NICE Guidance
FDA on Retropharyngeal abscess overview
CDC on Retropharyngeal abscess overview
Retropharyngeal abscess overview in the news
Blogs on Retropharyngeal abscess overview
Directions to Hospitals Treating Retropharyngeal abscess
Risk calculators and risk factors for Retropharyngeal abscess overview

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.

Pathophysiology

Infected material (pus) builds up in the space around the tissues at the back of the throat. This can occur during or immediately after a throat infection.