Retropharyngeal Abscess

In the face of intense throat pain accompanied by fever and neck stiffness, especially in young children, a retropharyngeal abscess may be suspected, a collection of pus in the tissues located behind the pharynx.

This collection usually forms after an upper respiratory tract infection or an infection of the lymph nodes in that area, and requires timely evaluation because its deep location can come to compromise breathing.

Warning signs: Difficulty or pain when swallowing, muffled voice, drooling, refusal to move the neck, and fever that does not subside. In children it is common to notice them irritable and with little appetite.

Who treats it? The maxillofacial surgeon is the appropriate professional to assess and manage this type of deep neck abscess. If you recognize these symptoms, going for a medical review immediately is the right decision.