Common upper respiratory tract infection leading to uncommon retropharyngeal abscess - A case series on paediatrics

Abstract

Retropharyngeal abscess is the formation of pus in retropharyngeal space, which occurs as a frequent complication of Upper Respiratory Tract Infection (URI). It is commonly seen in children less than 5 years old. The clinical manifestations includes neck mass, fever, cervical lymphadenopathy, neck stiffness, agitation, cough, drooling, torticollis, respiratory distress, stridor, and with signs of tonsillitis, pharyngitis, and otitis media. The first-line treatment includes drugs such as ampicillin-sulbactam and clindamycin. This case series highlights the complications of untreated upper respiratory tract infection leading to retropharyngeal abscess. Oral hygiene should be maintained to prevent future complications. Two patients were admitted in the paediatric inpatient unit and were diagnosed as a case of retropharyngeal abscess, following for which their management was done. After assessing, the clinical presentations and management scenario of the patients, age, and poor hygienic conditions are associated with the patients' risk factors for acquiring Retropharyngeal Abscess. In paediatrics, maintaining hygiene, especially oral hygiene and early diagnosis can prevent future complications of retropharyngeal abscess.