Retropharyngeal Abscess Overview
Learn About Retropharyngeal Abscess
Retropharyngeal abscess is a collection of pus in the tissues in the back of the throat. It can be a life-threatening medical condition.
Retropharyngeal abscess most often affects children under age 5, but it can occur at any age.
Infected material (pus) builds up in the space around the tissues at the back of the throat. This can occur during or very soon after a throat infection.
Symptoms include:
- Breathing difficulty
- Difficulty swallowing
- Drooling
- High fever
- High-pitched sound when inhaling (stridor)
- Muscles between the ribs pull in when breathing (intercostal retractions)
- Severe throat pain
- Difficulty turning the head
Surgery is needed to drain the infected area. Corticosteroids are sometimes given to reduce airway swelling. High-dose antibiotics are given through a vein (intravenous) to treat the infection.
The airway will be protected so that it does not become completely blocked by the swelling.
White Plains Physician Services
Jk Rasamny is an Otolaryngologist and a Plastic Surgeon in Armonk, New York. Dr. Rasamny and is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Retropharyngeal Abscess. His top areas of expertise are Acinic Cell Carcinoma of Salivary Glands, Salivary Gland Tumors, Laryngeal Cancer, Thyroidectomy, and Laryngectomy.
Joseph M Capo MD PC
Joseph Capo is an Otolaryngologist in Levittown, New York. Dr. Capo and is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Retropharyngeal Abscess. His top areas of expertise are Retropharyngeal Abscess, Auditory Neuropathy Spectrum Disorder, Empyema, and Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps (CRSwNP).
Refuah Health Center Inc
Samuel Helman is an Otolaryngologist in New Square, New York. Dr. Helman and is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Retropharyngeal Abscess. His top areas of expertise are Retropharyngeal Abscess, Perichondritis, Throat Cancer, Laryngectomy, and Endoscopy.
It is important to get medical help right away. This condition can lead to blockage of the airway. This is a life-threatening medical emergency. With prompt treatment, a full recovery is expected.
Complications may include:
- Airway obstruction
- Aspiration
- Mediastinitis
- Osteomyelitis
Contact your provider if you or your child develops a high fever with severe throat pain.
Get medical help right away if you have:
- Breathing trouble
- High-pitched breathing sounds (stridor)
- Retraction of the muscles between the ribs when breathing
- Difficulty turning the head
- Difficulty swallowing
Prompt diagnosis and treatment of a sore throat or upper respiratory infection can prevent this problem.
Published Date: November 29, 2022
Published By: Josef Shargorodsky, MD, MPH, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
James P, Hanna S. Upper airway obstruction in children. In: Bersten AD, Handy JM, eds. Oh's Intensive Care Manual. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2019:chap 106.
Pappas DE, Hendley JO. Retropharyngeal abscess, lateral pharyngeal (parapharyngeal) abscess, and peritonsillar cellulitis/abscess. In: Kliegman RM, St. Geme JW, Blum NJ, Shah SS, Tasker RC, Wilson KM, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 21st ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 410.
Roginski MA, Atchinson PR. Upper respiratory tract infections. In: Walls RM, ed. Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 61.