European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine

Abstract

Retro pharyngeal abscess is infection followed by collection of pus in retro pharyngeal space. In the adult group they are usually secondary to trauma, foreign bodies, or as a complication of dental infections. Early diagnosis and the wide spread use of antibiotics have made these infections less common today . Non-specific acute retro pharyngeal abscess most commonly occurs in infants and young children. It is rare in adults mostly associated with tuberculosis of the cervical spine. Some cases of acute retro pharyngeal abscesses have been reported in adults following foreign body ingestion and in immunocompromised individuals. The present study attempts to document acute retro pharyngeal abscess in adults following trauma. Majority of patients recovered with conservative management but some required incision and drainage.  Diabetes mellitus was the comorbidity in one third of patients.  The management of these cases is based on antibiotics and surgical drainage.