Retropharyngeal abscess

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Oropharynx

Throat anatomy

Surgery is needed to drain the infected area. High-dose intravenous antibiotics are used to treat the infection.

The airway will be protected so that it does not become completely blocked by the swelling.

It is important to get immediate medical help. This condition can lead to blockage of the airway, which can be life threatening. With prompt treatment, a patient can make a full recovery.

• Aspiration
• Airway obstruction
• Osteomyelitis
• Mediastinitis

This list may not include all types of complications.

Call your health care provider if you or your child develop a high fever with severe throat pain.

Seek immediate medical help if there breathing difficulty, intercostal retractions, and stridor.

Review Date: 02/12/2007
Reviewed By: Alden J. Pearl, M.D., Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Otolaryngology, State University of New York Health Science Center at Brooklyn, Brooklyn, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.