Surgery is needed to drain the infected area. Corticosteroids are sometimes given to reduce airway swelling. High-dose antibiotics are given through a vein (intravenous) to treat the infection.

The airway will be protected so that it does not become completely blocked by the swelling.

It is important to get immediate medical help. This condition can lead to blockage of the airway, which can be life-threatening. With prompt treatment, you can make a full recovery.

• Airway obstruction
• Aspiration
• Mediastinitis
• Osteomyelitis

This list may not include all types of complications.

Call your health care provider if you or your child develops a high fever with severe throat pain.

Seek immediate medical help if you have:

• Breathing difficulty
• High-pitched breathing sounds (stridor)
• Muscles between the ribs pull in when breathing (intercostal retractions)

Images

Oropharynx

Throat anatomy

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Retropharyngeal abscess Symptoms

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Retropharyngeal abscess Prevention

Review Date: 11/23/2010
Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of Medicine; and Seth Schwartz, MD, MPH, Otolaryngologist, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, Washington. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)