 | | | | Medical Health Encyclopedia | |
Retropharyngeal abscess
Definition:
Retropharyngeal abscess is a collection of pus in the tissues in the back of the throat. See also peritonsillar abscess. Causes, incidence, and risk factors:
Text Continues Below
Retropharyngeal abscess generally affects children under age 5. Tissues at the back of the throat in young children allow a pus-filled space to form immediately behind the back of the throat. This area can become infected during or immediately following a bacterial sore throat. The affected child, who may still have symptoms of the original sore throat, develops a high fever with an extremely severe sore throat. The pain causes difficulty swallowing and the expanding abscess may interfere with breathing. Complications can be life-threatening. Retropharyngeal abscess requires immediate attention to prevent severe complications.
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).
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 2004 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. | |
| 
.gif)
