Causes and risk factors
Causative organisms of retropharyngeal abscess are beta-hemolytic streptococci; Staphylococcus aureus, Bacteroides, Veillonella, Haemophilus, Parainfluenzae, Bartonella henselae. The causes of retropharyngeal abscess include upper respiratory tract infection, oral infection due to poor dental care, injury to pharynx due to foreign body, endotracheal intubation, nasogastric tube insertion, and procedures like endoscopy. People with conditions like diabetes, AIDS, alcoholism, and cancer are at high risk.
Clinical presentation
Patient presents with symptoms such as severe pain in the throat, pain in front of the neck or around the Adam’s apple. There is difficulty swallowing [dysphagia], painful swallowing [odynophagia]. Poor oral intake is seen in infants. Accompanying symptoms like fever and malaise are present. Drooling of saliva may be present. Rhinorrhea is seen. There is stridor, croupy cough. Enlargement of cervical lymph nodes occurs. Stiffness of neck is seen. Thoracic muscles pull in while inhaling [intercostal retractions].
Investigation
Medical history by the patient and clinical examination by the doctor helps in diagnosis. Complete blood count is done. Throat culture is obtained. Imaging studies such as x-ray, CT scan may be useful for further evaluation.
Treatment
Treatment involves antibiotics to treat the infection. Corticosteroids may be required to reduce inflammation. Surgery is done to drain the abscess. In severe or emergency cases, tracheotomy may be done to prevent upper airway obstruction.
Other Modes of treatment
The other modes of treatment can also be effective in treating retropharyngeal abscess. Homoeopathy is a science which deals with individualization and considers a person in a holistic way. This science can be helpful in combating the symptoms. Similarly, the Ayurvedic system of medicine which uses herbal medicines and synthetic derivates are also found to be effective in treating retropharyngeal abscess.
