Retropharyngeal abscess - pus in the throat - HTI CENTERS

What is a retropharyngeal abscess?

A retropharyngeal abscess is a collection of pus caused by infection on the back surface of the larynx.

It mainly affects children aged 2 to 4 years - the diagnosis is more common in boys. In itself, a retropharyngeal abscess can also develop in adults. The frequency of this diagnosis in children is due to the fact that at this age the lymph nodes are much larger, therefore, prone to infections. With increasing age, the size of the lymph nodes decreases and the risk of abscesses also decreases.

Retropharyngeal abscess is characterized by the following symptoms:

• Difficulty swallowing;

• Pain when swallowing;

• Severe sore throat;

• Swollen lymph nodes;

• Trouble breathing;

• Trouble speaking;

• Noise when breathing;

• Severe headache;

• Stiff neck;

• Cough;

• Fever;

• Anxiety;

• Irritability.

Retropharyngeal abscess is a very serious condition and requires medical attention as soon as the first symptoms appear. Without treatment, the abscess will block the airways.

The infection can spread to nearby organs and the bloodstream, which is a prerequisite for such serious complications as:

• Blockage of the airways;

• Aspiration pneumonia;

• Swelling and inflammation of the chest;

• Blood clots in the main veins of the neck;

• Septic shock;

• Infection in the lung.

Source:

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24026-retropharyngeal-abscess