Retropharyngeal Abscess Quiz
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Reviewed By:
Eric A. Gantwerker, MD, MMSC (Ear, nose, throat (ENT))
Pediatric Otolaryngologist at Northwell Health and Associate Professor of Otolaryngology at Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell. He holds a Master of Medical Science (MMSc) in Medical Education with a special focus on educational technology, educational research, and game-based learning from Harvard Medical School and a Master of Science in Physiology and Biophysics from Georgetown University. He has a special interest in faculty development and has been a speaker or faculty at hundreds of local, national, and international courses and conferences. He is also an active blogger and podcaster for several organizations, including the Harvard Macy Institute (HMI), Harvard Medical School CME Online, and BackTable Innovations. He has been featured in the news and print for media outlets such as USA Today, Businesswire, The Washington Post, Nature Medicine, Fox News, and KevinMD. He was also the Vice President, Medical Director of a medical video game company, Level Ex from 2018 to 2023 that utilized game technology and psychology to create interactive experiences for healthcare professionals. | He is recognized as an expert on the implementation of educational technologies and gaming with a foundation in educational theory for health professions education. He was honored to be inducted as an Associate Member of the American College of Surgeons (ACS) Academy of Master Surgeon Educators and as an Associate Fellow of the Association for Medical Education in Europe (AMEE).
Rohini R, MD (Ear, nose, throat (ENT))
Dr. Rohini R is an ENT, Head and Neck Surgeon, with a Fellowship in Advanced Endoscopic Sinus and Skull Base Surgery and a Fellowship in Aesthetic Medicine and Lasers. Besides clinical practice and working with Ubie, she is actively training and mentoring medical students and residents. She has functioned in various work settings - teaching hospitals, private and free health centers, and worked with patients from all socioeconomic backgrounds due to her experience in free hospitals and volunteering in India and Singapore.
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Learn more about Retropharyngeal abscess
Content updated on Nov 29, 2023
What is retropharyngeal abscess?
A retropharyngeal abscess is rare but potentially life-threatening infection that forms behind the back wall of the throat. Symptoms include sore throat, fevers, inability to completely open jaw (trismus), and limited neck range of motion. Imaging including ultrasounds and CT scans might be used to determine severity.
Symptoms of retropharyngeal abscess
Swollen lymph nodes, usually small swellings at the neck, armpits, groin and behind the ears
Neck pain or stiffness
Sore throat
Lymph node swelling that is persistent and increasing in size
Fever
Difficulty swallowing food due to throat pain
Throat swelling
Throat redness
Questions your doctor may ask to check for retropharyngeal abscess
Your doctor may ask these questions to diagnose retropharyngeal abscess
Do you feel your lymph nodes are swollen and enlarged?
Do you have neck pain or stiffness?
Do you have a sore throat?
Has your swollen lymph nodes continue to grow larger?
Do you have a fever?
Treatment for retropharyngeal abscess
Immediate management of retropharyngeal abscess includes attention to the airway, fluid resuscitation if necessary, and antibiotic therapy. Surgical drainage may be required.
View the symptoms of Retropharyngeal abscess
Diseases related to Retropharyngeal abscess
References
Giordano D, Pernice C. Retropharyngeal Abscess. N Engl J Med. 2022 Jul 21;387(3):260. doi: 10.1056/NEJMicm2119678. PMID: 35857662.Giordano D, Pernice C. Retropharyngeal Abscess. N Engl J Med. 2022 Jul 21;387(3):260. doi: 10.1056/NEJMicm2119678. PMID: 35857662.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35857662/
Reilly BK, Reilly JS. Retropharyngeal abscess: diagnosis and treatment update. Infect Disord Drug Targets. 2012 Aug;12(4):291-6. doi: 10.2174/187152612801319320. PMID: 22338591.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22338591/
Retropharyngeal Abscess - Cleveland Clinc
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24026-retropharyngeal-abscess
User testimonials
Reviewed By:
Eric A. Gantwerker, MD, MMSC (Ear, nose, throat (ENT))
Pediatric Otolaryngologist at Northwell Health and Associate Professor of Otolaryngology at Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell. He holds a Master of Medical Science (MMSc) in Medical Education with a special focus on educational technology, educational research, and game-based learning from Harvard Medical School and a Master of Science in Physiology and Biophysics from Georgetown University. He has a special interest in faculty development and has been a speaker or faculty at hundreds of local, national, and international courses and conferences. He is also an active blogger and podcaster for several organizations, including the Harvard Macy Institute (HMI), Harvard Medical School CME Online, and BackTable Innovations. He has been featured in the news and print for media outlets such as USA Today, Businesswire, The Washington Post, Nature Medicine, Fox News, and KevinMD. He was also the Vice President, Medical Director of a medical video game company, Level Ex from 2018 to 2023 that utilized game technology and psychology to create interactive experiences for healthcare professionals. | He is recognized as an expert on the implementation of educational technologies and gaming with a foundation in educational theory for health professions education. He was honored to be inducted as an Associate Member of the American College of Surgeons (ACS) Academy of Master Surgeon Educators and as an Associate Fellow of the Association for Medical Education in Europe (AMEE).
Rohini R, MD (Ear, nose, throat (ENT))
Dr. Rohini R is an ENT, Head and Neck Surgeon, with a Fellowship in Advanced Endoscopic Sinus and Skull Base Surgery and a Fellowship in Aesthetic Medicine and Lasers. Besides clinical practice and working with Ubie, she is actively training and mentoring medical students and residents. She has functioned in various work settings - teaching hospitals, private and free health centers, and worked with patients from all socioeconomic backgrounds due to her experience in free hospitals and volunteering in India and Singapore.
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Dale Mueller, MD
Cardiothoracic Surgery, Vascular surgery
Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery Associates
