The development of a retropharyngeal abscess is a medical emergency that can be life-threatening.
Urgent treatment is necessary because this abscess can impact your ability to swallow and breathe.
The abscess can develop because lymph nodes in the neck become swollen during an infection.
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An abscess is a walled-off cavity filled withpusa collection of bacteria, debris, and white blood cells.
It can be difficult for the immune system to destroy bacteria inside an abscess.
What Does Retropharyngeal Mean?
Risk in Adults
A retropharyngeal abscess is less common in adults compared to children.
The reasoning behind this lies in how the body develops and changes as a person grows older.
However, there is always still a possibility that a retropharyngeal abscess can develop in an adult.
For instance, it has been seen as a rare complication of COVID-19.
When an infection occurs, the lymph nodes often swell as the immune system ramps up a defensive response.
One issue comes up whenever bacteria native to the body enter the swollen tissues and cause an additional infection.
These bacteria natively live in the mouth or on the skin without causing any trouble.
However, if you or your child experiences these symptoms, get prompt medical attention.
A retropharyngeal abscess is serious.
Broad-spectrum antibiotics are extremely useful for the treatment of infections.
However, they can carry a risk of bacteria developing antibiotic resistance.
Maintaining a clear airway is critical in the treatment of a retropharyngeal abscess.
Summary
A retropharyngeal abscess is a medical emergency that often requires urgent medical treatment.
In some cases, the airway can become impacted by an abscess, requiring advanced treatment and intubation.
Frequently Asked Questions
A retropharyngeal abscess is always a medical emergency that requires prompt treatment.
It is not common for adults to develop abscesses in the throat that progress to retropharyngeal abscesses.
In children, retropharyngeal abscesses are more common.
A retropharyngeal abscess can make lymph nodes swell.
In some cases, swollen lymph nodes may contribute to the development of a retropharyngeal abscess.
The treatment of a retropharyngeal abscess often requires a multidisciplinary team.
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