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.
Proliance Surgeons
David Santos, MD, is board certified by both the American Board of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery and the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.He prides himself in keeping up to date with cutting edge treatments and applying state-of-the-art techniques and technologies. He is committed to excellence in facelift surgical technique, rejuvenation, and artistry, as well as creating an environment where the best medical care and facial rejuvenation possible is achieved for each individual. Dr. Santos is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Retropharyngeal Abscess. His top areas of expertise are Swimmer's Ear, Labyrinthitis, Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps (CRSwNP), and Infant Hearing Loss.
Aurora Family Medicine
Michael Miller is a primary care provider, practicing in Family Medicine in Hubertus, Wisconsin. Dr. Miller is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Retropharyngeal Abscess. His top areas of expertise are Retropharyngeal Abscess, Necrosis, Protein S Deficiency, and Congenital Antithrombin 3 Deficiency.
Proliance Surgeons
Roger S. Zundel, MD, practices general and pediatric otolaryngology, endocrine surgery, head and neck cancer, and otology. He believes listening to his patients is the key to earning their trust. He understands that ensuring a patient feels cared for is as important as his medical expertise. He is an active member of Overlake Hospital's staff and has served on multiple hospital committees.Outside of work, Dr. Zundel enjoys skiing, hiking and spending time with his wife and three daughters. He is learning Spanish and classical guitar. Dr. Zundel is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Retropharyngeal Abscess. His top areas of expertise are Trachoma, Laryngitis, Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps (CRSwNP), and Infant Hearing Loss.
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.
Summary: The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) works to treat invasive infections due to methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in children. It will also learn about the safety of TMP-SMX in the treatment of children with invasive MRSA infections. The main questions it aims to answer are: -Is TMP-SMX effective at successfully treating children wi...
Published Date: October 28, 2024
Published By: Ashutosh Kacker, MD, FACS, Professor of Clinical Otolaryngology, Weill Cornell Medical College, and Attending Otolaryngologist, New York-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. 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, Boggs SR. Retropharyngeal abscess, lateral pharyngeal (parapharyngeal) abscess, and peritonsillar cellulitis/abscess. In: Kliegman RM, St. Geme JW, Blum NJ, et al, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 22nd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2025:chap 432.
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.