retropharyngeal abscess

retropharyngeal abscess

[-fərin′jē·əl]

Etymology: L, retro + Gk, pharynx, throat

a collection of pus in the tissues behind the pharynx accompanied by difficulty in swallowing, fever, and pain. Occasionally the airway becomes obstructed. Treatment includes appropriate parenteral antibiotics and surgical drainage. Tracheostomy may be necessary. Compare parapharyngeal abscess, peritonsillar abscess.

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retropharyngeal

behind the pharynx.

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retropharyngeal abscess

see pharyngeal abscess.

retropharyngeal lymph node abscess

see pharyngeal abscess.

retropharyngeal lymph node enlargement

enlargement causes interference with respiration and swallowing. The principal sign is snoring. In large animals the glands are palpable via the oral cavity or inspected by fiberoptoscopic viewing. See also pharyngeal lymphadenopathy.

retropharyngeal lymph nodes

lymph nodes in the tissues in the dorsum of the pharynx.

retropharyngeal lymphadenopathy

see pharyngeal lymphadenopathy.

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retropharyngeal abscess

ENT A disease of children < age 5, in which posterior throat tissue is susceptible to abscess formation, accompanied by high fever, severe sore throat, dysphagia and dyspnea, which may be life threatening. Cf Strep throat.