Retropharyngeal abscess
Retropharyngeal abscess
A Retropharyngeal abscess (/ˌrɛtroʊfəˈrɪnʤiəl ˈæbsɛs/) is a medical condition characterized by the accumulation of pus in the retropharyngeal space, a potential space in the deep part of the neck.
Etymology
The term "Retropharyngeal abscess" is derived from the Latin retro (behind), pharynx (throat), and abscessus (a going away), referring to the pus-filled cavity that forms behind the throat.
Symptoms
Symptoms of a retropharyngeal abscess can include sore throat, fever, difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), and neck pain. In severe cases, it can lead to difficulty breathing (dyspnea) or voice changes (dysphonia).
Causes
Retropharyngeal abscesses are most commonly caused by bacterial infections, often following a throat infection or injury. The most common bacteria involved are Streptococcus pyogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, and Haemophilus influenzae.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is typically made based on physical examination and imaging studies, such as a CT scan or MRI of the neck.
Treatment
Treatment typically involves antibiotics to treat the infection and sometimes surgical drainage of the abscess.
Related Terms
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Retropharyngeal abscess
- Wikipedia's article - Retropharyngeal abscess
This WikiMD article is a stub. You can help make it a full article.
Languages: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
Urdu,
বাংলা,
తెలుగు,
தமிழ்,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
русский,
português do Brasil,
Italian,
polski