Ask the Experts

Get answers to your ENT questions by e-mailing Dr. Jeffrey S. Wolf and Dr. Rodney Taylor.

Q&A Archive

Dr. Wolf's Bio | Dr. Taylor's Bio

Note: This is for informational purposes only. Doctors cannot provide a diagnosis via e-mail.

Retropharyngeal abscess

Treatment:

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.

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, a patient can make a full recovery.

Complications:

This list may not include all types of complications.

Calling your health care provider:

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.

References:

Cummings CW, Flint PW, Haughey BH, et al. Otolaryngology: Head & Neck Surgery. 4th ed. St Louis, Mo; Mosby; 2005:4365-4367.

Marx J. Rosen’s Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice . 6th ed. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby; 2006:1120-1121.

Throat anatomy

Oropharynx

Review Date: 2/12/2007
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.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is the first of its kind, requiring compliance with 53 standards of quality and accountability, verified by independent audit. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial process . A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics (www.hiethics.com) and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 1997-2007 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

Home > Medical Reference > Encyclopedia (English)