16.1.6
Retropharyngeal Abscess
Malawi Standard Treatment Guidelines, 6th Edition, 2023. Chapter 16, Respiratory Conditions.
Signs and Symptoms
- May cause difficulty in swallowing
- Fever
- Tenderness at the angle of the jaw
- Features of upper airway obstruction such as difficulties in breathing, stridor
- If a patient is unable to drink at all Surgical drainage is usually necessary, therefore should be referred.
Treatment
Adults
- Give Amoxicillin + Clavulanic Acid 625mg 8 hourly for 14 days
- Analgesic for pain and f e v e r
Children
- Ceftriaxone 50mg/kg IV daily
- Adjust antibiotics as guided by culture results
- Complete 14 days of antibiotics
- Analgesic/antipyretic for pain and fever
Check doses against the printed guideline and your clinical judgement before treating a patient. Spotted an error? Report it from the contact links below.
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