Symptoms:

• 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

Signs and tests:

The health care provider will perform a physical exam and look inside the throat. The doctor or nurse may gently rub the back of the throat with a cotton swab, so that a sample of tissue can be more closely examined. This is called a throat culture.

Other tests may include:

• Complete blood count (CBC)
• CT scan of the neck
• X-ray of the neck

Treatment:

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.

Expectations (prognosis):

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, you can make a full recovery.

Complications:

• Airway obstruction
• Aspiration
• Mediastinitis
• Osteomyelitis

This list may not include all types of complications.

Calling your health care provider:

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

Seek immediate medical help if you have:

• Breathing difficulty
• High-pitched breathing sounds (stridor)
• Muscles between the ribs pull in when breathing (intercostal retractions)

Prevention:

Prompt diagnosis and treatment of pharyngitis or upper respiratory infections will generally prevent retropharyngeal abscess.