What is a neck abscess? A neck abscess is sometimes called a Cervical Abscess or even a Deep Neck Infection. A neck abscess is a collection of pus caused by an infection that fills between the structures of the neck. The pus will increase; the soft tissue will expand, and then push against either the back of the neck, or throat and tongue. In extreme cases even the windpipe (or Trachea) can be affected. There are several types of neck abscesses. ENT Specialists will take a few minutes and talk about the different types.
Retropharyngeal Abscess is most common in children. The lymph node in children shrinks as they mature into puberty. Often the lymph nodes become infected breaking down and forming pus. The lymph node most commonly infected are the ones behind the thorax located at the back of the throat. This infection in children’s lymph nodes by the thorax is known as retropharyngeal abscess.
An abscess that is an infection that grows or forms in the tissue walls behind the tonsils is called a Peritonsillar Abscess. The tissues walls behind the tonsils are the lymph organs at the back of the throat. Peritonsillar abscess is often found in teens and young adults, and not so much in young children.
A Submandibular Abscess in an infection that forms a ball known as an abscess beneath the floor of your mouth. A submandibular abscess infection causes the tongue to push upwards and to the back of the throat. This will cause breathing and swallowing problems, which will sometime occur after a dental infection. A submandibular abscess mostly occurs in adults or the elderly.
A lot can trigger an abscess to form. The most common causes are when someone is undergoing a bacterial or viral infection from either a cold, tonsillitis, ear infection, or a sinus infection. As the infection worsens, it will spread deep down in the tissue or lymph nodes in the neck. As the infection increases, the pus will form a ball like mass that leaves you with a neck abscess. Symptoms of a neck abscess are fevers as well as the tongue pushing up and backward in your mouth. You will have a red or swollen throat, neck pain or stiffness, a bulge at the back or the throat, and ear pain. Body aches or chills and difficulties swallowing or breathing can also be a symptom. If you’re having any one of these symptoms you may want to consult a doctor for treatment. Depending on the type and location of the abscess, treatments can vary.
A neck abscess can be life threatening if not attended to, leaving one with breathing or eating problems. This in turn can lead to choking and suffocation. Don’t hesitate if you or a loved one may be undergoing a neck abscess. ENT Specialists medically specialize in neck and throat problems. If you or a loved one is suffering form a neck abscess contact us today.
