Neck abscesses
A neck abscess is a mass of pus from an infection that
collects in spaces between the structures of the neck. As the amount of pus
increases, the soft tissue spaces expand and push against the structures in the
neck, such as the throat, tongue, and, in extreme cases, the trachea (windpipe).
Neck abscesses are sometimes called cervical abscesses or deep neck
infections.
There are several types of neck abscesses that are found in children,
including the following:
- Retropharyngeal abscess: An abscess that forms behind the pharynx
(back of the throat) often following an upper respiratory infection. In
children, the lymph nodes in this area can become infected and break down,
forming pus. Retropharyngeal abscesses are most common in young children,
because these lymph nodes atrophy (get smaller) by the time a child reaches
puberty.
- Peritonsillar abscess: An abscess that forms in the tissue walls
beside the tonsils (the lymph organs in the back of the throat). Peritonsillar
abscesses are most common in adolescents and young adults and are rarely seen
in young children. A peritonsillar abscess is sometimes called quinsy.
- Ludwig's angina: An abscess beneath the tissues in the floor of the
mouth. Pus collects under the tongue, pushing it upwards and toward the back
of the throat, which can cause breathing and swallowing problems. Ludwig's
angina is not common in young children but may occur in older adolescents,
especially after a dental infection.
What causes a neck abscess?
A neck abscess
occurs during or just after a bacterial or viral infection in the head or neck
such as a cold, tonsillitis, sinus infection, or otitis media (ear infection).
As an infection worsens, it can spread down into the deep tissue spaces in the
neck or behind the throat. Pus collects and builds up in these spaces forming a
mass. Sometimes, a neck abscess occurs following an inflammation or infection of
a congenital (present at birth) neck mass such as a branchial cyst or
thyroglossal duct cyst.
The symptoms
The following are the most common symptoms of a neck
abscess. However, each child may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may
include:
- Fever
- Red, swollen, sore throat, sometimes just on one side
- Bulge in the back of the throat
- Tongue pushed back against throat
- Neck pain and/or stiffness
- Ear pain
- Body aches
- Chills
- Difficulty swallowing, talking, and/or breathing
The symptoms of a neck abscess may resemble other neck masses or medical
problems. Always consult your child's physician for a diagnosis.