Retropharyngeal and peritonsillar abscesses Flashcards
what is an Abscess?
collection of pus
Where do peritonsillar abscesses usually occur?
Palatine tonsils
Where is the retropharyngeal space?
Behind the pharynx and infant on the vertebrae, with buccopharyngeal fascia in front and alar fascia behind
What is inside retropharyngal space?
Lymph nodes
Where are the palatine tonsils
either side of oropharynx, attached to soft palate, dense collection of lymphatic tissue, wrapped in fibrous capsules, defend against pathogens
What occurs in septation?
Walls that form pockets within an abscess, fibrinogen is the barrier
What is the problem with abscesses?
Can press nearby structures and obstruct the upper airway, spread to lymphatic system, and spread to mediastinum, pericardium, tongue, soft palate, pharyngeal space or cause sepsis
What bacteria usually cause abscesses?
Staphlococcus aureus, group A streptococci and haemophilia parainfluenza
Who are most affected by abscesses?
Children
Symptoms of peritonsilor abscesses
fever, severe throat pain and stiffness
Pharyngeal obstruction, airway obstruction causing stridor and retractions
pain with swallowing
Diagnosis of abscesses?
X-ray or CT scan, tissue culture and blood tests can show increases immune cells, and blood cultures can help if sepsis
Abscess treatment?
Surgically drained, antibiotics, steroids, tonsillectomy
