ear, nose, and throat disorders
Retropharyngeal Abscess
Introduction
A retropharyngeal abscess is a collection of pus in the back of the throat. A retropharyngeal abscess is caused by a bacterial infection. Symptoms include difficulty and pain when swallowing, a fever, stiff neck, and noisy breathing. The diagnosis is based on symptoms and x-rays or computed tomography of the neck. Children who receive prompt treatment do well. The abscess is drained surgically, and antibiotics are given to eliminate the infection. A retropharyngeal abscess forms when Overview of the Lymphatic System in the back of the throat become infected, break down, and form pus. Because these nodes begin to disappear by age 4 to 5 years, retropharyngeal abscesses occur mainly in children age 1 to 8 years and are uncommon in adults. A retropharyngeal abscess is usually caused by a bacterial infection that has spread from the tonsils, throat, sinuses, adenoids, or nose. Many infections are caused by a combination of bacteria. Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Infection and 