- Home
- Parents Home
- Allergy Center
- Asthma Center
- Cancer Center
- Diabetes Center
- A to Z Dictionary
- Emotions & Behavior
- First Aid & Safety
- Food Allergy Center
- General Health
- Growth & Development
- Flu Center
- Heart Health
- Homework Help Center
- Infections
- Diseases & Conditions
- Nutrition & Fitness Center
- Play & Learn Center
- School & Family Life
- Pregnancy Center
- Newborn Center
- Q&A
- Recipes
- Sports Medicine Center
- Doctors & Hospitals
- Videos
- Para Padres
- Home
- Kids Home
- Asthma Center
- Cancer Center
- Movies & More
- Diabetes Center
- Getting Help
- Feelings
- Puberty & Growing Up
- Health Problems of Grown-Ups
- Health Problems
- Homework Center
- How the Body Works
- Illnesses & Injuries
- Nutrition & Fitness Center
- Recipes & Cooking
- Staying Healthy
- Stay Safe Center
- Relax & Unwind Center
- Q&A
- Heart Center
- Videos
- Staying Safe
- Kids' Medical Dictionary
- Para NiƱos
- Home
- Teens Home
- Asthma Center
- Be Your Best Self Center
- Cancer Center
- Diabetes Center
- Diseases & Conditions
- Drugs & Alcohol
- Expert Answers (Q&A)
- Flu Center
- Homework Help Center
- Infections
- Managing Your Medical Care
- Managing Your Weight
- Nutrition & Fitness Center
- Recipes
- Safety & First Aid
- School & Work
- Sexual Health
- Sports Center
- Stress & Coping Center
- Videos
- Your Body
- Your Mind
- Para Adolescentes
A to Z: Retropharyngeal Abscess
Retropharyngeal (reh-tro-fah-RIN-jee-ul) abscess is an area of infected, pus-filled tissue that forms in the deep tissues in the back of the throat. An abscess is a collection of pus made up of white blood cells, debris, and germs that cause infection.
More to Know
In the back of the throat, there is a structure called the pharynx, which sits behind the nasal cavity and the mouth. The pharynx helps to assist in breathing, eating, and talking. Behind the pharynx in the deeper tissues is a layer of soft tissue called the retropharyngeal space. An abscess in this space is usually a complication of a tonsil, sinus, or ear infection.
Retropharyngeal abscess can cause pain, difficulty swallowing, drooling, neck stiffness, and breathing difficulties.
Keep in Mind
Retropharyngeal abscess is a serious infection that may be life threatening if left untreated. It can usually be treated with antibiotics and by a surgical procedure that involves draining the abscess. It's important to treat retropharyngeal abscess early, before the infection spreads or causes difficulty breathing. If you have concerns, see a doctor right away.
All A to Z dictionary entries are regularly reviewed by KidsHealth medical experts.