Trismus due to splinting of the pterygoid muscles is a prominent symptom. Displacement of the lateral pharyngeal wall without swelling or enlargement of the tonsil is characteristic. Tender swelling of the neck. Treatment - Blood cultures and intravenous antibiotics. If the patient does not respond to this therapy, then incision and drainage through the neck is indicated.
Retropharyngeal abscess can occur at any age but most commonly is seen in young children.
Signs - Erythema and edema of the oropharynx, bulging of the posterior pharyngeal wall. A lateral soft tissue xray of the neck demonstrates widening of retropharyngeal space. It can lead to fatal airway obstruction. If cellulitis progresses to abscess formation then incision and drainage is indicated. Neoplasia - Cancer of the upper aerodigestive tract frequently will present as a chronic sore throat.