Complicated Upper Respiratory Infections
Peritonsillar abscess may result as a complication of tonsillitis that may extend to cause parapharyngeal abscess whereas retropharyngeal abscess is considered as a progression of suppurative retropharyngeal adenitis.
Dental infections, bacterial parotitis and mastoiditis are the other sources of infections. The following organisms are the etiology:- Group A streptococci
– Staph aureus
– anaerobic organisms
– Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Clinically, the patient will have fever, sore throat, and pain on swallowing. Other manifestations include:
– trismus
– drooling of saliva
– swollen soft palate with a fluctuant mass
The patient should be seen by a physician for evaluation and management.
Laboratories may be needed like lateral neck radiography and a Ct scan that permits a distinction between cellulitis and an abscess. The imaging will also allow visualization of its extent, involvement and potential complications.