User:Mr. Ibrahem/Retropharyngeal abscess

Retropharyngeal abscess (RPA) is an pus collection located within the tissues of the back of the throat. Symptoms may include difficulty swallowing, neck pain, fever, stiff neck, change in voice, and large lymph nodes. Extending the neck may make the symptoms worse. Onset is often over a few days. Complications may include airway obstruction or mediastinitis.

It is often preceded by injury to the back of the throat or an upper respiratory tract infection. Risk factors diabetes and poor oral hygiene. Bacteria commonly involved include group A streptococcus, Staphylococcus aureus, Fusobacterium, Haemophilus. Diagnosis is suspected based on symptoms and confirmed by X-ray or CT scan.

Treatment includes antibiotics, and possibly endotracheal intubation and incision and drainage. Commonly used antibiotics include ceftriaxone or clindamycin. Outcomes are generally good with timely treatment. Retropharyngeal abscesses are uncommon. While it can also occur at any age, it is most common in children under 5 years old.