Causes, Incidence and Risk Factors Retropharyngeal abscess is a disease of children generally under age 5 years. This area can become secondarily 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.
Treatment Surgical drainage of the abscess and high-dosage intravenous antibiotics are used to treat the infection. Protection of the airway from becoming completely blocked by the retropharyngeal swelling . Full recovery without sequela is expected following prompt treatment. Call your health care provider if you develop a high fever with severe throat pain . Prevention Prompt diagnosis and treatment of pharyngitis or nasopharyngeal infections will generally prevent the development of retropharyngeal abscess.